Work Text:
The sun has long since dipped beneath the horizon, leaving only faint traces of gold along the glass panels of the greenhouse. A breeze stirs the leaves, but the air feels heavy. Leona sat alone beneath the twisted trunk of a wilting willow tree, one leg stretched out, the other bent beneath him. The air reeked of damp earth and bitter herbs, and yet… it was quieter here. Quieter than his dorm, quieter than the weight of expectations clawing at his back. A crumpled note lay at his side—an unopened letter bearing the seal of the Sunset Savanna royal family.
He hadn’t touched it. He couldn’t.
“Guess even out here, the past finds a way to stink up the air,”
He muttered to himself, voice low and dry like sand slipping through fingers. His claws dug into the soil.
“…They only ever write when they want something.”
His eyes, half-lidded and exhausted, stared up at the shadows dancing on the glass ceiling. For once, the ever-proud, smug second prince looked like he’d stopped pretending.
“…Tch. What a joke.”
Suddenly there was noise. A soft sound—footsteps? The rustle of fabric?—cut through the quiet. Someone else was here. Leona didn’t move. Didn’t even lift his head. But his voice, low and tense, broke the silence:
“…If you’re here to lecture me, save it. I’m not in the mood.”
Malleus’ gaze landed down at the feline beastmen below him and he crossed his arms and raised a brow slightly... something was... off, something clearly wasn't right with the other. He shook his head.. Lecture him? Why would he lecture him.. Well- sure he had in the past but that was for other things, he shook his head as he shook his head... Taking in a deep inhale, moving to sit on his knees in front of Leona, not minding the dirt that was absolutely getting on his clothing, he just looked at him with slight worry
"I am not here to lecture you to begin with, Kingscholar."
He spoke in a soft, gentle tone, he tried to show that he genuinely cared. Leona kept his eyes averted, fiddling with the dirt as he sighed.
"Then why are you here?"
He slyly moved the note behind his back, he was trying so incredibly hard not to shred it up.. Part of him hoped it was about him, for him. Not.. Not needing him. Malleus dusted his lap off slightly and he closed his umbrella, neatly setting it beside him, his hands now set in his lap and he thought for a moment
"I came here for a moment of peace... though I saw you distressed so I thought I'd come over to check on you, if I am overstepping I will leave you be."
Leona let out a deep, heavy breath as he shook his head,
"Do what you want, I'm just skipping practice."
He took out a cigarette to light, looking around for his lighter. Malleus nodded slightly and looked at the cigarette. Slowly, he took a deep breath blowing out a small flame, just enough to light it for Leona. Leona looked at the now lit cigarette surprised before slowly taking some in, blowing it out through his nose,
"Thanks.."
He picked up the letter and held it dangerously close to the lit end of the cigarette.
"Did you know that if you destroy a Savanna letter through flame, it says our ancestors dim the stars.."
Leona was rambling, sure. He didn’t even know if that folktale was true. But the rambling stopped his mind from focusing on how bad he needed the pain of the blaze against his skin. Or the stinging sensation of using the letter on himself. Malleus blew smoke from his own nose and shook his head, he hadn't done that in a while...
"Of course."
He nodded as he looked at the letter and then Leona... Just listening to him, before he sighed a bit and put a hand out.
"May I take the letter? I won't open it... just hold it for you."
Leona looked at him and raised an eyebrow, slowly handing it over as suspicion and curiosity danced in his eyes,
“Odd offer.. but I’ll bite.”
Malleus then took the letter and set it in his own lap. His eyes flickered up to Leona’s as he spoke,
"I am not blind, I can see it's the reason you are distressed."
Leona sighed and shook his head, did he really have to call him out so horrendously bad? He knew how his tone softened, and his eyes looked dim, and how his hands shook as if they were the last leaf on a dying tree.
“Reading me Draconia.”
He hummed and blew out some smoke, some attempt at a joke to cover up how well Malleus had just figured him out. Classic Malleus, always the intellectual.
"...My apologies? I did not intend to 'read' you... I was simply stating what I saw.."
Malleus said softly and he shook his head.. Leona had to hold in the smirk that covered his lips, maybe he wasn’t as intellectual as perceived.. Or maybe he was just sheltered. He chuckled a little, blowing smoke out as he leaned back with a cocky expression. His gaze met Malleus’ once again.
“It’s a Slang, it means you easily knew what I was feeling.”
The idea of breaking it down for Malleus just fueled Leona’s ego.. He knew something Malleus didn’t. Even in the depths of his emotions, in the depths of his emotions eating him up from his heart to his skin, he could still find it in himself to find something to make him feel somewhat better about himself.. At someone else's expense. Malleus nodded slightly and looked down at the letter,
"What do you intend on doing with it? If you want I can find a way to dispose of it, I could read it for you... Could bury it and pretend it never existed.."
Leona sighed and crossed his arms, it was tempting. He could lie to his parents and say he never saw it.. But there was a voice inside him that was still convinced his parents sent the letter for him, not to need him for something.
".. Read it."
He whispered as he kept his eyes averted to the floor,
"It'll be easier that way."
It was a few moments before Malleus spoke.
"Do you wish for me to read it aloud? Or give you a run down?"
He asked, using his nail to break the seal and open it with so much care. Seeing how gentle he was almost made Leona ill.
"Either one.."
Leona nodded and rested against the tree. He didn’t want anything to do with it, not even the simple choice of what to do with it. Though, this seemed to unsettle the man across from him, if only slightly.
"What would make you more relaxed?"
The fae raised a brow as he unfolded the paper inside, still delicate and elegant - but with an aura of annoyance. Leona just sighed again before he shook his head,
"Either.. If it's more than 3 paragraphs just paraphrase.."
Malleus took a moment to read over the letter before he started to verbally read through it, and as he read he paraphrased it to make it shorter.. It was exactly what Leona expected. Malleus rephrased the letter entirely to make it a few simple paragraphs..
“ Dear Leona,
Your brother's wedding is approaching, and the royal court is finalizing the arrangements. As tradition dictates, the role of Best Man falls to the groom’s closest male relative. That is you.
We expect your presence at the ceremony and all relevant events. While we are aware that you have chosen a different path from your responsibilities here, this is one matter you cannot ignore. Your attendance is not a request—it is a responsibility. Your brother has upheld his duties with grace and diligence; the least you can do is stand by him on one of the most important days of his life.
This family has given you every opportunity, and though you have rejected much of it, we ask that—for once—you set aside your pride. If you care at all for your family, then show it. Even if you cannot feel proud, we ask that you at least act like you are.
The kingdom will be watching.
—Mother and Father “
He rolled his eyes, he knew it. He felt sick, upset.. But of course, he’d never let it show on his face.
"Best man at my brother's wedding."
He scoffed in annoyance, the best facade he had to hide the tears that were threatening to fall..
"Of course."
Malleus looked up at him and nodded slightly, he could feel the emotional volcano slowly building up inside of Leona.. It was only a matter of time until it erupted.
"In simple terms... yes."
He was unsure of how to respond, he was an honest man - but he knew sometimes that harsh honesty causes distress. Leona’s voice suddenly broke the following silence with much more anger and emotion,
“Burn it. Do whatever you fucking want with it.”
Leona’s voice was now a snarl as he got up, putting out his joint on his wrist before throwing it on the ground and stomping on it.
“Get it out of my sight.”
Malleus nodded slightly and stood up and blew fire on it and it burst into flames... He just tossed the letter to the side as it burnt into green flames, as if it was never there in the first place. He had no care of the ancestors of the savanna, or the imposing rule of the Kingscholar royals - Leona was here, Leona was his priority.
"Give me your wrist..."
Leona’s gaze shot over to Malleus, from shock or excitement.. He couldn’t tell.
"What do you want with it?"
He glared and looked over at him while wiping his eyes. He felt himself slipping into a stressed state, he was struggling to keep himself together and he hated that Malleus of all people was here to see it.
"To make sure you didn't burn yourself badly..."
Malleus put his hand out and smiled a bit.. He just wanted Leona to be okay. He didn’t care about anything else right now.. Ever since Leona overblotted, he has had this internalised fear of it happening again.. Not to him, or to any other housewarden but.. To Leona. Leona specifically. It was a feeling he was still trying to come to terms with - but he knew that as long as Leona was in his presence? He would never let it happen. Leona glared a little more before slowly giving in.. At this point he wasn't in a state to fight off affection - he just wanted to feel like someone wanted him around for at least a minute. For now, he'd give into the man before him. For now.. he'd let himself relax to feel at least an ounce desirable. Malleus gently took his hand and rubbed around the wound,
"Just relax...."
Leona sighed and looked down at their hands.. The stark contrast between Malleus’ smooth skin and Leona’s rough palms dancing together in harmony as they were connected for a moment. Malleus purred softly, gently kissed his hand and pulled him into a gentle embrace, just holding the feline beastman to his chest. Leona’s breath hitched as he slowly moved to lay against his chest, his arms wrapped around him as If he was going to disappear. In turn, Malleus gently played with his hair and smiled a bit, just holding him close... allowing him to hold him as tightly as he needed. Leona’s grip got tighter as his body trembled.. Leona couldn’t remember the last time he was held like this - held like he meant something. As if Leona hadn’t melted into Malleus enough, Malleus allowed his tail to come out gently wrapping it around him as well just as another hold on him to show he really wasn’t going anywhere. This was the gesture that allowed Leona to finally relax as he nuzzled into him. He felt safe for once.. He cuddled up to Malleus as he rested his head against his chest. He wanted to make a rude remark to protect his ego but.. nothing came out. Malleus was gently stroking his head and humming a quiet tune as he kept him close,
“You are alright… I have got you…”
He whispered in a deeper and more soothing voice than normal.. Something that seeped out an aura of gentleness. Leona's ears drooped, but not in a fearful or sad way. They moved as if they were content, holding onto Malleus gently as he slowly nodded. Leona smiled, genuinely smiled. He felt so seen he didn't really know how to act. He couldn't say anything, as much as he wanted to. He was too overwhelmed to the point he was mute.
Malleus gently rested his head on Leona’s letting out a quiet content purr, just loud enough to attempt to keep him relaxed and feeling safe.. He looked down at him and smiled a bit just letting him cling to him all he needed, no one else mattered… then again if someone did walk in one glare and they would be sent running.
Leona slowly moved to wrap his arms around Malleus' neck, as if he were a plush toy protecting a child from harm. He purred softly to match his, a soft symphony of gentle hums.. He slowly looked up to meet Malleus' eyes.. A sea of forest green reflecting back into Leona's emerald green.. So similar and yet, so slightly off. And yet when put together.. They don't look that different. Perhaps Leona had a warped perception of Malleus. Perhaps, just perhaps, the two were similar enough for a genuine connection to be possible.
Malleus allowed the other to hold him in any way he wanted. He enjoyed all of this, he was not used to physical touch in the slightest, this was… new to him, and he was just hoping, praying he wasn’t making the other uncomfortable. At the eye contact he didn’t really blink he just kept it and slowly blinked at him…. As well as maintaining eye contact he was examining his movements… checking for any sign of pain, discomfort, uncomfortableness.
“Is something the matter, Kingscholar..?”
Leona slowly shook his head, just taking the man in.. There were lots of things he hadn't noticed from afar. The way his raven hair framed his pale skin, or how his eyes fluttered before he spoke.. He didn't even feel like Malleus was real. He adjusted as he fully put his weight against him. He felt safe enough to let his guard down entirely, even if it was only for a few moments. A few slight, quick moments. It took him a little bit before he spoke again,
"Thank you for.. This."
Malleus allowed the other to do as he wished, and he stayed standing as he put his full weight against him.. to Malleus? He was no heavier than a rock so…. He was very much enjoying the weight against his chest… autistic dragon.
“You do not need to thank me… you have no reason to..?”
Leona continued purring softly as he slowly wrapped his arms around the other’s torso. He gently ran his hands up and down Malleus' back before responding,
"I do.. Kindness deserves thanks."
Leona felt odd being so gentle, almost sickening. A part of him wanted to claw Malleus off and gag, the other.. The other wanted him to never leave again. Malleus tensed ever so slightly at him rubbing his back… just almost in a shocked way, not fear just… shock.
“Ah… I suppose so..”
He smiled and nodded slightly. He slowly retracted one of his arms from around him to rub the back of one of his own horns. Leona's eyes instantly narrowed, his pupils slitting slightly.. Why did he care about Malleus removing one.. singular.. arm? He would put it back, he would hold him just as close.. Right? He slowly moved to do it for him, as if an exchange. Rubbing his horn in order for Malleus' arm to return to his waist. Malleus blinked as he put his arm back leaning into Leona’s hand and purring like an engine now- having Leona doing it for him felt better… he didn’t know why it just did.
Leona purred as he continued to rub his horn.. He took the time to feel each ridge, each dent.. Everything. He wanted to know everything. Malleus lowered his head slightly for him to feel them a bit better… he was honestly just enjoying all the attention. Was he sucking up? Maybe.. More so savouring an opportunity. But.. it was different for Leona. Leona knew he was going to regret all this later, he was sure. But for now? He'd savour it.. He'd savour the moments before he knew Malleus would ask about why the letter hurt so much. For now he'd pretend he was perfect, when really he was a shattered porcelain vase. Once pristine, once beautiful, now broken and left to gather dust. Malleus pulled the other closer to his body, the comfortable silence filling the air, he kept a close eye on Leona and he let out a quiet sigh.
"It is getting quite late... Kingscholar.."
Leona slowly nodded as a sigh escaped his lips.. He knew the moment was bound to end, did it have to be then? Leona simply sighed and rose to his feet, as slow as he could to savour his touch.
"Right, suppose you have some responsibilities then."
There it was, that cold exterior. It was slowly icing Leona Kingscholar over once again.
"I do not have any responsibilities as of right now... I am simply stating it is getting late, I don't want you having to go to your dorm in the dark... and by the look of it... it may rain soon."
Malleus explained softly and gently played with his hair again... he didn't want this touch to ever end. He had a feeling Leona felt the same, but he savoured the moment regardless. Leona paused before he nodded, his gaze moving towards the sky,
"... Told you burning the letter would piss off some ancestor."
He attempted to joke now, something to take the attention off of how content he had become with the man he once loathed from the inside out. It served its purpose. Malleus laughed softly and shook his head slightly, he kept an arm around Leona's waist, being insanely gentle about it.
"I suppose it did, hm?"
The aura of the space became a lot more relaxed. Leona was incredibly content with the touch of Malleus’ hand on his waist as he smiled at the sound of Malleus' laugh, he was doing it.. He was making this stone faced bitch laugh- Granted, not the best thing to say about someone he was enjoying the company of.
"Watch your back Draconia, you'll have a wrinkly Kingscholar on your ass."
Malleus shook his head as he covered his mouth just laughing happily and he shook his head. The smile on his lips was.. Unmatched.
"Goodness, I didn't think burning it would upset them that much."
He chuckled as he looked Leona up and down.. It was hard to tell what was on his mind.
"Oh they have fragile egos.. It's genetic~"
Leona hummed and rested his head against his collarbone,
"Surely you can see it in me?"
He chuckled under his breath as he adjusted, hoping this moment would continue to be as calm and.. Possibly flirty as it was. At least, he hoped this man was flirting with him. Malleus smiled a bit and looked at him, his gaze gentle and he shook his head.
"I wouldn't say I see a fragile ego in you... more of an ego that's been taken and broken so many times..."
.. Yeah, not so flirty. Malleus went to continue but paused and blinked,
"I am reading you again aren't I..-?"
Leona rose an eyebrow before looking up into his eyes with a soft laugh,
"Maybe Draconia but.. I don't think I mind."
He hummed as he tilted his head, he wanted to see how Malleus perceived him. The future king of Briar Valley, the embodiment of thorns.. How did he see Leona through his eyes?
"Go on.."
Malleus took a moment before speaking, his gaze returning to Leona’s,
"I don't think you have a fragile ego. more of a broken one that you are trying to save even though the pieces are all over... impossible to fix on your own but because of that shattered ego you refuse to let people get close enough to help you rebuild it.. in fear of them just... shattering it again."
Leona slowly nodded as he watched him closely, he was more so surprised at the fact he wasn't swinging at Malleus for the comment. He would to any other person who would have.. Why was this different?
".. I think you got me inside and out."
There it was, that gaze again.
"I simply... observe."
Malleus shook his head slightly and looked away, embarrassment filling his chest.
"I apologize if I said anything upsetting..-"
Leona slowly grabbed his chin and made him look at him, the tension between the two being almost cuttable.
"You're fine, Draconia."
Leona was obsessed with how his skin felt, that coldness against the warmth of Leona's palm.. It was so unusual but so interesting. Malleus leant into the touch like a touch starved puppy and he let out a quiet purr
"Right..."
Leona hummed and moved to cup his cheeks instead, just to watch him react. Something about the way he moved and behaved made Leona’s heart dance in excitement.
"There we go.. Relax.."
Malleus nuzzled into his hand.. Just melting at the touch. His whole body relaxed and he looked at Leona, slowly blinking at him again. Leona sighed in content as he rubbed his cheeks,
"Still trying to get me back home, your highness?"
For once, the title didn't seem.. insulting. It seemed more so endearing. Malleus closed his eyes for a moment... just to show how content he was.
"Well... yes but I guess it can wait.."
Leona smiled softly and raised an eyebrow, a small victory.. More time with Malleus. More time to gently break him down into pieces and find out what made him so.. appealing.
"Softie.."
Leona spoke softly, barely a whisper. Malleus’ eyes opened again and his brows furrowed,
"...Soft?"
There was a slight moment of silence as the smirk on Leona’s face only grew,
"Yes..?"
His tail flicked.. He got Malleus to glare a bit.
"What about it?"
Malleus blinked and shook his head slightly. It was hard to tell if his ego was hurt, or if he was just confused.. That stone cold face was a lot like the gargoyles he was so obsessed with.
"I am not soft.."
The interaction only made Leona more curious, more.. Invested in the man his gaze was locked onto. A predator on predator connection, something he didn’t expect to want so badly.
"What are you then?"
He purred and tilted his head, a cocky smirk on his lips. He loved every second. However, that cockiness faded fast. Malleus shrugged and stood up straight attempting to pull away from his hand. In response, Leona frowned a little.. But he allowed him to move, his eyes following Malleus' as he pulled himself together. He stood up straight alongside him as he grabbed his vest. Hesitantly, he put it back on. He didn't want to give off the impression he wanted out, but he also didn't want to get wet because he took too long to get ready. Malleus shook his head and watched him closely, his gaze slowly moving to the windows to look outside... He sighed quietly and crossed his arms, did he ruin everything again? He wasn't sure but... he felt as if he did. Leona looked over at Malleus before slowly taking his hand,
".. You're fine. Nothing is ruined."
It’s like Leona had this sense just for him. Just for Malleus and whatever he needed. He would run to the ends of the earth for him, and he didn’t even understand why. Malleus’ eyes drifted to their hands and smiled, nodding slightly.
"I know...."
He whispered, his voice silky smooth with a mix of content and almost.. Adoration. His eyes looked towards Leona’s face once again. Leona’s gaze met Malleus' again.. As if the two couldn't resist the feeling that making eye contact gave them, He matched Malleus' energy with a whispered response.
"Then stop worrying.."
Malleus gently rubbed his hand as he maintained eye contact and he gulped softly, shaking his head.. Leona was.. Making him nervous. Malleus couldn’t find why. He wasn’t being a threat, attacking him, insulting him.. Why was Malleus’ heart banging against his ribs.
"I am not worrying, do not make this about me because you do not want to discuss your feelings.."
… Two emotionally closed off people trying to open up. What could possibly go wrong? A lot, a lot can. But at the moment they weren’t aware of it. There was no right or wrong.. It was just them and the moonlight. Under the same moon, under the same flowers.. All of it enough to make them forget that there was a world outside of the two of them.
Leona continued to chuckle softly as he hummed, he let his breath settle before he let the words follow.
"Then how about we get going? You milked me dry Draconia.. You know a lot of things most people don't."
He slowly rubbed his hand as he watched the man before him closely.. He felt like he could stay by Malleus' side without complaint.
"Well.. Sorry for roping you into family dramas. Just pretend you didn't hear any of it.. It's not for you to worry about anyway."
Malleus would normally just send him on his way. Just.. go back to Diasomnia and write about his day in his diary - quill in hand. But..
"If you wish to go and you want someone to... attend with you I will happily oblige."
Malleus nodded slightly as he picked up his umbrella, opening it up, handing it to Leona. Leona, with a soft smirk, hummed and moved to take his arm instead,
"I believe I would like some company.. What a princely escort."
He teased softly as he stood under the umbrella.. In very close proximity to Malleus. Malleus looked down at him and nodded slightly as he began to walk with Leona and he looked around slightly.
"Alright."
Leona chuckled behind his hand, finishing plucking the thorns and gently placing it in Malleus' hair. The two reached the greenhouse doors.. Leaving closer than they entered - and now unsure of where their lives will go from here knowing that things will not be the same.