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The palace was quiet under the starlit sky, save for one fiery conversation. In a secluded garden, Leo and Takumi sat on a stone bench, their voices raising in pitch as the argument deepened. Sometimes Leo felt as if their relationship was a wildfire--it was fierce, passionate, and prone to sparking at the slightest provocation.
"You're impossible, Takumi!" Leo snapped, arms crossed, eyes flashing under the moonlight. "You can't just charge into battle without thinking like that, you hothead! You nearly got yourself killed today!"
Takumi scowled, his right eye twitching. "Oh, spare me, Leo! Not everyone hides behind a tome and a horse like you do! Some of us actually fight up close!"
The bickering was nothing new. Despite their love, their stubborn personalities clashed like steel on steel. But tonight’s argument was worse than usual, their words growing sharper until Takumi stood abruptly, finished with the whole thing.
"Fine! If I'm such a reckless idiot, maybe you should find someone else to lecture!" With that, he stormed off, leaving Leo alone with the echo of his words.
Leo sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew they both needed space. Takumi’s temper burned hot, and Leo’s pride often got the better of him. He retreated to his quarters, pacing as he replayed their fight. The image of his boyfriend’s hurt expression lingered, gnawing at him. He hated how their love could feel so fragile in moments like these.
An hour later, Leo found Takumi in the archery range, shooting arrows with a precision that betrayed his frustration. The thwack of the bowstring punctuated the silence, making the Nohrian prince grimace. He approached cautiously, his usual confidence replaced by guilt.
"Takumi," he began, voice softer than usual. Takumi didn’t turn, drawing another arrow. Leo pressed on. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called you a hothead. I… I worry about you, though. Too much, sometimes. I know you can take care of yourself, but…"
Takumi’s shoulders stiffened, but he lowered his bow. "You’ve got a funny way of showing it," he muttered, finally glancing over. His amber eyes were still stormy, but the edge in his voice had dulled.
Leo stepped closer, his voice springing a crack. "I don’t say it enough, Takumi. I love you. I love how fiercely you fight, not just for Hoshido, but for everyone you care about. I love your stubbornness, even when it drives me up the wall. I love the way you smirk when you hit a perfect shot. I love how you hum those silly Nohrian folk songs Elise taught you when you think no one’s listening." He paused, a smile tugging at his lips. "I even love how you argue with me, because it means you’re not holding back."
Takumi’s cheeks flushed, and he turned away, fidgeting with his bow. "You’re embarrassing me," he grumbled, though his voice lacked any bite. He was stubborn, yes, but Leo’s words had a way of cracking his defenses. After a long moment, he sighed and faced him, his expression softening.
"Fine. I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have stormed off like that." Takumi rubbed the back of his neck, eyes dropping to the ground. "And… I love you too, you know. I love how you’re always so composed, even when I’m being a ‘hothead.’ I love the way you study those dusty old tomes like they’re the most fascinating thing in the world. I love how you try to hide your smirk when you outsmart someone, me included. And…" He hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "I love how you always come find me, even when I’m being an idiot."
Leo’s heart warmed, and he closed the distance between them, resting a hand on Takumi’s cheek. "Well… we’re both idiots sometimes."
Takumi rolled his eyes but leaned into Leo’s touch. "Then I guess that makes you my idiot."
Leo reached for Takumi’s hand, squeezing it. They stood together under the stars, the tension between them fading fast. No doubt they’d bicker again, but for now, their love was enough to bridge the gap.