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Lévis Rosequartz had never thought of himself as a matchmaker. He wasn’t gentle or patient or any of the things one needed to help lost people find each other. But he understood loneliness. He understood what it meant to grow up under a father whose love twisted into expectation until it strangled you.
That was why, when he saw Domina Blowelive sitting alone after training, shoulders tight, eyes cold, hands submerged in swirling water like he didn’t know what to do with them, Lévis recognized something painfully familiar.
Domina looked the way Lévis used to look after disappointing his father.
He sighed, crossed his arms, and said, “You’ll drown yourself if you keep staring at your magic like that.”
Domina didn’t look up. “Go away.”
“No,” Lévis said flatly.
Domina scowled. He despised stubborn people, mostly because stubbornness wasn’t something he’d been allowed as a child.
Lévis tapped his foot. “Come on.”
“I said go away.”
“I’m not going away.” He paused, watching Domina’s expression flicker. “There’s someone you need to meet.”
Domina blinked. “What? Why?”
“Because you’re unbearable like this.”
“You’re unbearable normally.”
“True,” Lévis admitted. “Now move.”
Domina stood only because Lévis grabbed his wrist and pulled him along.
The courtyard garden was quiet at this hour. Birds perched on the greenhouse roof, and a breeze carried the scent of herbs and sun-warmed stone. Lévis walked forward with purpose.
Domina yanked his hand back. “If you think I’m meeting someone for some ridiculous therapy conversation—”
Then he froze.
Lovie Rosequartz stood beside the garden beds, sleeves rolled slightly up, watering enchanted herbs that sparkled faintly under the sunlight. His expression was peaceful, not a stare, not a smile, just… warmth. The kind of warmth Domina didn’t know how to approach.
Lévis cleared his throat, suddenly feeling awkward. “Lovie,” he said softly, “I… brought someone.”
Lovie looked up, eyes brightening. “Oh! Lévis, you didn’t tell me we had company.”
Domina had never felt small. He didn’t even know he could feel small. But Lovie’s kindness hit him like a soft wave - gentle, persistent, disarming.
“This is Domina Blowelive,” Lévis said, pushing Domina a little closer. “He’s… going through things.”
Domina hissed, “I’m not—”
But Lovie stepped forward, cutting him off with a smile that felt like sunlight. “Hello, Domina. I’m glad to meet you.”
Domina’s breath caught. No judgment. No expectation. Just "I’m glad."
“You two talk,” Lévis said abruptly, turning away. “He’s rough around the edges. You like that kind of challenge.”
Lovie laughed softly. Domina glared. “Your brother is rude.”
Lovie shrugged. “He’s honest. And worried about you.”
“I don’t need him worried about me.”
“Maybe,” Lovie said gently, “but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t care.”
Domina looked away, unsure what to do with something so simple.
Lovie showed Domina around the greenhouse, explaining each plant with a soft enthusiasm that made Domina listen in spite of himself.
When Lovie knelt to check a sprout, Domina found himself staring. Lovie noticed.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, brushing soil from his fingers.
“No,” Domina said too quickly. Then quieter: “I’ve just… never seen magic used like this.”
“Like what?”
“Gently.”
Lovie’s expression softened. “Magic doesn’t always need to be loud.”
Domina said nothing. He felt heat in his chest, an unfamiliar warmth that made him uncomfortable.
“You can help me water them, if you like,” Lovie said.
Domina blinked. “Why?”
“Because I’d like your company.”
Domina nearly choked. “My what?”
“Your company.” Lovie laughed lightly. “If that’s alright.”
Domina looked away, ears pink. “Do whatever you want.”
Water flowed from his fingers, swirling around the plants. Lovie watched, eyes wide with appreciation.
“That’s beautiful,” he whispered.
Domina nearly dropped the spell.
“Don’t say things like that.”
“Why not?”
“Because...” Domina stumbled. “Just don’t.”
Lovie’s smile deepened, soft and real. “You’re very cute when you get flustered.”
Domina’s brain turned to static. “I... I’m not—”
“Yes,” Lovie said cheerfully. “You are.”
Domina stared at him, horrified.
Lovie laughed again, gentle as a breeze.
They began meeting unexpectedly often. Sometimes Lovie found Domina near the training grounds. Sometimes Domina found himself wandering toward the greenhouse without realizing why.
It wasn’t long before Lovie noticed the exhaustion behind Domina’s eyes.
One afternoon, Domina sat beside the fountain, water swirling around his hand in jagged, uneven circles.
Lovie approached quietly. “Your magic looks tired.”
Domina stiffened. “Magic doesn’t get tired.”
“But people do.”
Domina swallowed. He hated how easily Lovie saw through him.
“I didn’t ask you to analyze me.”
“I know,” Lovie said, sitting beside him. “But I want to understand you.”
No one had ever said that to Domina.
“Why?”
Lovie tilted his head. “Because I care.”
Domina’s heart lurched, painful and warm.
“You shouldn’t,” he said quietly.
“Why not?”
“You don’t understand what I’ve done.”
Lovie looked at him for a long moment. Not afraid. Not condemning. Just understanding.
“You’re not your past,” Lovie said gently. “Not anymore.”
Domina’s breath hitched.
“You don’t know that.”
“I know it because I can see how hard you’re trying.”
Domina’s hands trembled. Lovie reached out, placing his warm hand over Domina’s cold, trembling one.
The water steadied. Domina stared. “How did you do that?”
“I didn’t do anything,” Lovie whispered. “You calmed yourself.”
Domina didn’t believe him. But the warmth remained.
Lévis had been watching.
Well, more like spying.
He caught Domina one day outside the dorms and jabbed a finger at him.
“You. Stop making those weird faces.”
Domina scowled. “What weird faces?”
“The ones you make after you talk to Lovie.”
Domina stiffened. “We don’t... talk.”
Lévis rolled his eyes. “You talk every day.”
Domina nearly combusted.
“And,” Lévis added, softening reluctantly, “don’t hurt him. He’s too good for that.”
Domina didn’t snap back this time.
Instead he said, quietly, “I won’t.”
Lévis stared for a long moment, searching Domina’s eyes. Finally, he nodded and walked away.
Domina exhaled slowly, feeling something tighten and loosen inside him.
Their breakthrough happened during an evening practice session.
Lovie was practicing healing spells on a wounded branch. Domina was adjusting water streams nearby.
“You’re using too much force,” Lovie said softly.
“I’m not.”
“You are,” Lovie teased. “Watch.”
He stepped behind Domina, guiding his hands.
Domina tensed instantly. Lovie’s touch was warm. Too warm.
Their combined magic flowed - water and healing light intertwining like ribbons.
Domina stared, breath unsteady. Their magic… fit. Like they were two halves of a larger spell.
Lovie’s voice brushed his ear. “See? You’re gentler than you think.”
Domina felt warm all the way to his toes. “I’m not gentle.”
“You are.”
“Stop saying that.”
Lovie laughed softly. Domina’s heart nearly stopped.
Later that night, they walked through the lantern-lit paths toward the dorms.
Lovie hummed a little tune.
Domina finally asked, “Why do you hum all the time?”
“It makes me happy,” Lovie said. “And I hum around people I like.”
Domina stumbled.
“Y-you l-like me?”
Lovie smiled at him.
“Yes.”
Domina’s face burned crimson. He quickly looked away, entire body stiff.
“I don’t... I mean... I don’t... dislike you either.”
Lovie laughed brightly. Domina wanted to melt into the ground.
The greenhouse was warm the next day, humid, glowing with enchanted lamps. Lovie was tending a cluster of new budding flowers when Domina entered, looking unusually tense.
Lovie brightened instantly. “Oh! Hi, Domina—”
“I like you.”
The watering can slipped from Lovie’s hands. Domina flinched.
“I mean... I don’t know how to do this,” he muttered, hands shaking. “But I like being with you. I like your voice. And your smile. And the way you look at things. And the way you look at me.”
Lovie’s lips parted, eyes softening.
Domina forced himself to continue. “But you’re… good. And I’m not. And you deserve someone who hasn’t—”
Lovie stepped closer, gently placing a finger to his lips.
“No one deserves you more than someone who truly sees you,” he whispered. “And I see you, Domina.”
Domina’s breath trembled.
“And I like you too.”
Domina shook. Not with fear. With relief.
With something warm and overwhelming and new.
Lovie reached out, taking Domina’s hand.
“Can I?” he asked softly.
Domina’s voice cracked. “Yes.”
Lovie leaned in, slow and careful, giving Domina time to pull away. Their lips met gently, soft, warm, feather-light.
Domina froze. Then melted.
The kiss was quiet, like waves washing over soft sand. Just warmth. Just breath. Just two people finding each other without pressure or noise.
When they pulled apart, Domina’s face was red.
Lovie smiled. “You’re very cute when you’re flustered.”
Domina hid his face in his hands. “I hate you.”
“No,” Lovie said happily, “you don’t.”
Domina grumbled. He absolutely did not.
They sat together on a bench outside, hands entwined.
Domina leaned his head on Lovie’s shoulder, awkwardly at first, then naturally as Lovie leaned back.
The night was quiet. The greenhouse glowed faintly behind them.
Domina whispered, almost afraid to break the silence. “Why me?”
Lovie squeezed his hand.
“Because you’re like water,” he said. “Strong, restless, sometimes stormy, but always moving toward something.” He smiled softly. “And I want to be there when you find where you’re going.”
Domina swallowed hard.
He didn’t understand why Lovie chose him. But he knew, deep, deep inside, that he wanted to stay by Lovie’s side. Wanted to return the warmth he’d been given. Wanted to let himself be held by the person who calmed his tides.
Domina whispered, “Don’t leave.”
Lovie rested his head against Domina’s. “I won’t.”
The day after their quiet kiss in the greenhouse, Domina found himself drifting through the academy halls in a daze.
His water magic behaved strangely - lighter, warmer, swirling in gentle shapes rather than the sharp spirals he was used to. He tried to scowl at it. He really did. But water didn't listen when he was happy.
And he was happy. Embarrassingly, terrifyingly so.
Lovie, of course, noticed immediately. He smiled every time Domina’s magic spun little loops when he walked near.
“It looks cute,” Lovie said once.
Domina nearly tripped over his own feet.
It was late afternoon when Domina found himself at Lovie’s side again.
They had ended their training and slipped away to the quieter side of the courtyard, an alcove surrounded by enchanted rosebushes. The roses glowed faintly pink, matching the soft blush on Lovie’s cheeks as he leaned a little too close to Domina on the bench.
“You’re quiet today,” Lovie murmured.
“I don’t know what I’m doing,” Domina admitted.
Lovie smiled, the same warm smile that made Domina’s chest tighten in ways he was trying not to analyze.
“That’s alright,” Lovie said gently. “We’ll figure it out together.”
Domina’s breath caught. It felt natural, then, to lean in and press a soft kiss to Lovie’s lips, gentle and hesitant, but real.
Lovie’s hand came up to rest lightly on Domina’s cheek, pulling him closer for a second, deeper kiss.
It was quiet. Soft. Perfect.
Until...
“WHAT THE HELL?”
Domina froze. Lovie froze. Even the enchanted roses froze.
Slowly, very slowly, they turned toward the voice.
Lévis stood at the entrance of the alcove, eyes wide and mouth open. He pointed at them with a shaking finger.
“You...” he sputtered. “You two... You’re... Kissing?! WHAT?!”
Lovie, ever composed, smiled gently. “Hello, Lévis.”
“DON’T ‘HELLO’ ME!”
Domina wished the earth would open up beneath him. He could practically feel himself steaming with embarrassment.
“Levis...” Domina started.
“No.” Lévis stepped forward, jabbing the air furiously. “Absolutely not. You!” he pointed at Domina, “You're dating my brother?!”
Domina flinched. “I... It’s not... We’re not dating... We just—”
Lovie slid his hand into Domina’s. “We’re dating,” he said calmly.
Domina squeaked. Actually squeaked.
Lévis looked like someone had thrown a bucket of cold water on him. Then, very slowly, he breathed in through his nose.
“Domina Blowelive,” he said in a deadly calm voice, “step away from my brother.”
Domina did not step away. He tightened his grip on Lovie instead, glaring defensively.
“No,” Domina said, surprising even himself.
Lévis blinked. “Did you just... refuse?”
“Yes.”
Lovie squeezed his hand, proud.
Lévis stared for a moment longer, then rubbed his temples.
“Of all the people,” he muttered. “My sweet, gentle brother… and you.”
Domina bristled. “Is that supposed to be an insult?”
“YES!” Lévis snapped.
Lovie sighed. “Lévis.”
“What?”
“You promised me you’d be supportive.”
“I promised to be supportive if you found someone nice! That’s not what happened!”
Domina’s jaw dropped. Lovie laughed softly.
Then Lévis’ expression changed. It softened, not much, but enough to show a hint of vulnerability beneath the exasperation.
He looked at Domina seriously.
“You care about him?” he asked.
Domina’s mouth moved. No sound came out at first. He swallowed.
“Yes,” Domina said quietly. “I do.”
Lovie’s hand tightened around his.
Lévis watched them for a long, tense moment. Then he sighed so deeply he practically folded in half.
“Well…” he muttered. “He’s not an idiot. You’re not… all bad. And if he trusts you…” He threw his hands up. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll deal with it.”
Domina blinked. “…You mean—”
“YES, you can date my brother!” Lévis yelled. “But if you hurt him, I will drag you into a duel and beat you with your own magic.”
Domina nodded fiercely. “I won’t hurt him.”
Lovie smiled softly at both of them.
Lévis pointed at Domina’s chest. “Good. And if you kiss him in front of me again, I’m leaving the country.”
Domina sputtered. Lovie giggled behind his hand.
After Lévis dramatically stormed away, Domina slumped against the bench, face still burning.
“I thought he was going to kill me,” Domina muttered.
Lovie patted his hand. “He’s just protective.”
“That was protective?!” Domina shrieked.
Lovie laughed warmly. “He likes you more than he’ll admit.”
Domina doubted that extremely, but he didn’t argue. Not when Lovie leaned against him again, resting his head on his shoulder.
“You handled that well,” Lovie murmured.
“I panicked the entire time.”
“Yes,” he said fondly. “Very cute.”
Domina covered his face with both hands. “Stop calling me cute.”
“Never.”
Domina peeked between his fingers. Lovie’s smile illuminated the whole courtyard.
“You’re impossible,” Domina whispered.
“And you’re wonderful,” Lovie answered.
Domina melted.
They sat together like that until the sun dipped low, the roses glowed brighter, and Domina’s heartbeat finally slowed into something calm, warm, and full.
Lévis Rosequartz was not a subtle man.
The very morning after discovering that Domina and Lovie were dating, Lévis stormed into the courtyard with the ferocity of a thunderstorm.
Domina and Lovie were sitting on a bench, hand-in-hand. Domina froze when he saw Lévis marching toward them like he was leading an army.
“Oh no,” Domina whispered.
“What’s wrong?” Lovie asked gently.
“Your brother is coming.”
“That’s not a problem.”
“It is for me.”
Lévis stopped in front of them, crossing his arms with the gravitas of someone preparing to announce a national crisis.
“Domina Blowelive,” he declared.
Domina instinctively straightened like he was about to be executed.
“You are hereby subject to "The Tests.”
Domina blinked. “What tests?”
Lévis pointed at him. “The ones I invented last night after realizing you were kissing my brother.”
Domina turned to Lovie with sheer panic in his eyes. Lovie smiled sympathetically.
“It’ll be okay,” he said, patting Domina’s hand.
Domina whispered, “Save me.”
Lévis cleared his throat loudly. “Test number one!”
He gestured dramatically toward a training field. “You will fight me.”
Domina crossed his arms. “Absolutely not.”
Lévis frowned. “Why not?”
“Because I am not fighting Lovie's brother.”
“That’s the point,” Lévis snapped. “If you won’t fight me, it means you fear hurting Lovie emotionally. This is a test of intentions!”
Domina was speechless.
Lovie gently tugged his sleeve. “Domina…? It’s harmless.”
Domina sighed, glaring at Lévis. “Fine. But I won’t hit you.”
“Good,” Lévis said. “Because you won’t be able to.”
Domina rolled his eyes and summoned a swirl of water.
Two minutes later, Lévis was lying face-down in the grass, soaked from head to toe. Domina hadn’t even broken a sweat.
Lovie clapped politely. “That was very impressive.”
Domina stared at his hands. “I barely did anything…”
Lévis groaned into the dirt. “Ugh… Okay… You pass the strength test.”
For the second test, Lévis said: “You must endure something terrifying.”
Domina tensed. “What… terrifying thing?”
Lévis smirked. Then turned to Lovie. “Brother, smile at him.”
Lovie blinked. “Hm?”
He turned to Domina and gave him the softest, sweetest smile imaginable.
Domina’s face turned bright red. He staggered backward so hard he almost tripped over a bench.
Lévis threw his hands up triumphantly. “Aha! Terrifying!”
Domina was dying. Actually dying.
Lovie giggled behind his hand. “This doesn’t seem fair.”
“Life isn’t fair,” Lévis grumbled. “Especially for people dating my brother.”
Domina hid his face. “I… failed.”
“You passed,” Lovie said gently.
“Barely,” Lévis muttered.
Lévis thrust a small potted enchanted rose into Domina’s hands.
“You have to take care of this,” he declared. “It’s Lovie’s favorite species.”
Lovie blinked. “Actually, it’s not my—”
“His FAVORITE SPECIES,” Lévis emphasized loudly.
Domina stared at the plant as if holding a fragile newborn. “What do I… do with it?”
“Don’t kill it,” Lévis said simply.
Domina swallowed.
He spent the entire next week overwatering the poor thing, under-watering it, asking Lovie for advice, panicking when one leaf looked slightly wilted, and staying up at night making sure it had perfect magical humidity levels.
By the end of the week, the plant was thriving.
Lévis grudgingly nodded. “Fine. You pass. The plant is healthier than before.”
Lovie smiled proudly. “You took wonderful care of it, Domina.”
Domina melted.
Lévis gagged. “Ugh.”
For the final test, Lévis pulled Domina aside privately. Domina braced for the worst.
Lévis looked serious, actually serious, not dramatic-serious. “Domina,” he began, “do you truly care about him?”
Domina met his eyes without hesitation. “Yes.”
“Are you going to hurt him?”
“No.”
Lévis nodded slowly. “Do you... want to make him happy?”
Domina exhaled. “More than I know how to say.”
Lévis’ expression softened. “Then,” he said quietly, “you pass.”
Domina blinked in surprise.
Lévis stepped back, looking uncomfortable. “I’m trusting you,” he muttered. “Don’t make me regret it.”
Domina nodded solemnly. “I won’t.”
Lévis turned and walked away, muttering curses under his breath about romance and headaches.
Of course, peace never lasts long for the Rosequartz boys.
Word reached the Rosequartz estate that the gentler twin, the “weaker,” as their father always said, had been spending time with someone “unsuitable.” Which was how Domina and Lovie ended up summoned.
The entrance hall was enormous and cold, decorated with marble pillars and heavy chandeliers.
Domina’s water magic swirled anxiously around his fingers as they approached the tall doors. Lovie squeezed his hand.
“It’ll be alright,” he said.
Domina didn’t believe that for a second. But Lovie’s hand in his grounded him.
The doors opened.
Mr. Rosequartz stood at the far end, wearing elegant robes and a stern expression that could freeze air.
He looked at Lovie first.
“So,” he said, voice sharp, “you have chosen someone.”
Lovie bowed politely.
“Yes, Father.”
His father’s eyes turned to Domina - cold, assessing, unimpressed.
“This is the one? The notorious Innocent Zero boy?”
Domina lifted his chin slightly. He had been looked at worse than this before. But Lovie’s fingers tightening around his made this sting.
Mr. Rosequartz stepped closer, circling them both like a predator evaluating prey.
“Blowelive,” he said, “your name brings trouble. Power. Violence. Why should I allow you near my son?”
Domina opened his mouth, then stopped. He wasn’t good with words. He’d never needed to be.
Lovie looked up at him with trust. Domina inhaled sharply. “I don’t have excuses,” he said honestly. “I don’t have a clean past. But I’m trying to be better.”
Mr. Rosequartz raised a brow. “Trying? That is all?”
Domina swallowed. “Yes,” he said. “But I… I want to protect Lovie. Make him smile. Make him feel safe. I don’t know how to say it the right way. But I will not hurt him.”
The hall fell silent. Lovie’s eyes shimmered with warmth.
Mr. Rosequartz considered Domina for a long, tense moment. Then he turned to Lovie. “You care for him?”
Lovie nodded. “Deeply.”
“And does he make you happy?”
Lovie smiled softly at Domina. “Yes.”
Mr. Rosequartz exhaled slowly.
“Very well. I do not approve,” he said bluntly. “But I will not forbid it.”
Domina sagged with relief. Lovie’s face lit up.
“And Blowelive?”
Domina straightened nervously.
“If you fail him,” Mr. Rosequartz said, “I will make you regret every moment of your existence.”
Domina nodded quickly. “Understood.”
Lovie sighed. “Father…”
But Domina shook his head.
“It’s fine,” he said. “He’s right.”
Lovie’s hand found his again.
As they left the estate, Domina finally let out a long breath.
Lovie laughed softly and leaned into him. “You were very brave.”
“I was terrified,” Domina muttered.
“You did wonderfully.”
Domina reddened. “Lovie?”
“Yes?”
Domina looked away. “Was he really upset that I’m dating you?”
Lovie smiled gently. “No. He was upset that I’m dating anyone.”
Domina blinked. “Oh.”
Then Lovie added, with a tenderness that made Domina’s knees weak: “But I’m glad it’s you.”
Domina’s heart skipped an entire beat. He laced their fingers together. “…I’m glad it’s me too.”
It had been three days since Domina survived the Rosequartz father’s interrogation, which meant three days of peace.
Naturally, peace did not last with a Rosequartz in proximity.
Domina should have known something was wrong when Lévis approached him without yelling.
He appeared in the corridor with a strangely serious expression, hands behind his back, posture straight, eyes narrowed in concentration.
Domina froze.
“Blowelive,” Lévis said.
“What?” Domina asked cautiously.
“We need to talk.”
Domina’s immediate instinct was to run. Far. Preferably into another country.
“About what?” he asked instead.
Lévis looked him dead in the eyes. “About my brother.”
Domina felt his soul leave his body.
Lévis dragged him (physically) to an empty courtyard and shoved him down onto a stone bench.
Domina sat stiffly, like a student about to be given a disciplinary sentence.
Lévis crossed his arms. “Alright, listen up. I have compiled,” he lifted a folded piece of paper dramatically, “a list.”
Domina stared. “A list of what?”
“Ways you will avoid being stupid around my brother.”
Domina opened his mouth to protest.
Lévis raised a hand. “Silence. Instruction time.”
Domina shut his mouth.
Lévis unfurled the paper - three pages long.
“First: Don’t make him cry.”
Domina blinked. “Why would I make him cry?!”
“This is a GENERAL RULE!” Lévis snapped. “You must assume everything you do might make him cry and act accordingly!”
“That’s... That’s not how humans work!”
Lévis continued reading.
“Second: When he smiles at you, DO NOT SHORT-CIRCUIT.”
Domina’s ears went red. “I don’t short-circuit.”
“You turned red, slipped on a pebble, and fell into a bush last week.”
“That pebble was very dangerous.”
“It was not.”
“Third: Stop apologizing every time he calls you cute.”
Domina’s entire face turned red. “I don’t... He’s just... He shouldn’t—”
“JUST SAY THANK YOU!” Lévis shouted.
Domina buried his face in his hands.
“Fourth: If you have feelings, use words instead of staring like a depressed sea otter.”
Domina slowly lowered his hands. “A what?”
“You heard me.”
Once finished with page one, Lévis dramatically flipped to the next.
Domina silently prayed for mercy. “There is more?!”
“Of course there’s more,” Lévis said. “You’re dating my brother. I must ensure competence.”
Domina slumped.
Lévis tapped the paper. “These are professional-level romance guidelines.”
“Are you… qualified to give any?”
Lévis looked at him as if he had heard the dumbest question in the universe.
"Oh, right... I forgot you and Galuf—"
SHUT THE HELL UP!
But you two—
“FIFTH:", he shouted "Hold his hand whenever possible.”
Domina flinched. “I... I DO.”
Lévis stared. “Is that why he keeps floating around the hallways like he’s walking on sunshine?”
Domina tried not to smile.
“Sixth: Compliment him at least once per day.”
“I do that too,” Domina muttered. Quietly. Too quietly.
Lévis pointed aggressively. “LOUDER. Do it louder. His hearing is good, but not magical.”
Domina sighed.
“Seventh: If he has a bad day, give him hugs IMMEDIATELY.”
Domina nearly choked on his own breath. “H-h-hug?!”
Lévis rolled his eyes. “Do you LIKE him or not?”
Domina turned bright red. “I DO.”
“Then you HUG.”
Domina stared at the ground. “I… will hug…”
“LOUDER.”
“I WILL HUG.”
“Good.”
“Eighth: Do romantic things. But not weird.”
Domina blinked. “Define weird.”
Lévis glared. “Don’t summon a giant water dragon just to say ‘I like you.’”
Domina looked away. “I was not going to—”
“You were ABSOLUTELY going to.”
Domina folded his arms. “It would have been a very controlled dragon.”
“No dragons,” Lévis said firmly.
Domina pouted.
Halfway through lecture page two, a soft voice drifted into the courtyard. “Levi? Domina?”
Domina went stiff. His magic trembled around him like nervous mist.
Lévis (still holding the paper) turned casually. “Ah, Lovie. Perfect timing.”
Domina silently begged every deity to spare him.
Lovie approached with a gentle smile. “What are you two doing?”
Before Domina could intercept, Lévis blurted: “I’m giving your boyfriend romance lessons.”
DOMINA DIED.
Lovie blinked. “Romance… lessons?”
Domina spluttered. “IT’S NOT... I DIDN’T ASK FOR IT! HE JUST—”
Lévis handed Lovie the list. “I believe he requires a structured approach.”
Lovie read the list quietly. Then he smiled at Domina. Domina felt himself combust internally.
“Domina,” Lovie said warmly, “These are all very sweet.” Domina’s soul left his body. Lovie giggled. “And you’re already doing most of them.”
Domina squeaked. Lévis looked proud. “You see? I’m helping.”
“No you are NOT,” Domina croaked.
Lovie took Domina’s hand. Domina melted in real-time.
“Thank you, Levi,” Lovie said with genuine affection.
Lévis froze. Then scowled. “Whatever. I’m leaving.” He stomped out dramatically, cape flaring behind him.
Once Lévis disappeared, Domina sighed loudly into his hands.
Lovie placed a hand on his shoulder. Domina froze.
“Domina,” Lovie said softly, “I like you just the way you are.”
Domina peeked at him.
“You don’t need a list,” Lovie continued. “You don’t need tests. You’re already wonderful.”
Domina’s heart felt too full.
“But,” Lovie added mischievously, “if you want to hug me more… I wouldn’t mind.”
Domina forgot how to breathe. He leaned in, arms shaking slightly, and slowly wrapped his arms around Lovie’s waist. Lovie melted instantly, resting his head against Domina’s chest.
Domina whispered, “Is… this okay?”
Lovie smiled against him. “It’s perfect.”
Domina held him tighter. And for the first time, hugging felt less like a test, more like something he wanted to do forever.
Domina had faced many terrifying things in his life: father's expectations, elite magic duels, the Rosequartz father, Lovie’s smile.
And now…planning a date. A real date. A first date.
Domina had spent three hours pacing in his dorm room, muttering different versions of “How do people do this?!”
He tried to think of ideas.
Idea 1: Summon water dragons that form heart shapes. “No, Lévis banned dragons.”
Idea 2: Give Lovie a handcrafted bouquet. “I can’t steal flowers from the greenhouse, that’s rude.”
Idea 3: Cook something. “…I’d poison him by accident.”
By the fourth hour, he sat on the floor in defeat. And then… the worst thought entered his mind. He had to ask someone for advice. Someone who would know what he was doing. Someone who was dating someone himself. Someone who—
Domina covered his face. “Oh no. No, no, no, no—”
It was too late.
The idea had formed.
He needed to go to Lévis.
Domina approached Lévis’ room like a man walking toward an execution. He knocked. The door opened.
Lévis, hair slightly messy, shirt half-buttoned, blinked at him. Galuf, leaning casually against the wall inside, raised an eyebrow.
Domina instantly tried to leave. “Goodbye.”
Lévis caught him by the collar. “What do you want, Blowelive?”
Domina refused to look him in the eye. “I need… help.”
Lévis cupped a hand to his ear. “Sorry, didn’t catch that. Speak up.”
Domina glared. “I need help,” he said, slightly louder.
Lévis smirked. “With what exactly?”
Domina stared at the ground. “…a date.”
Lévis blinked. Galuf blinked.
Then Lévis burst out laughing. “You? Need help with ROMANCE?”
Domina’s water magic flared in embarrassment. “DO YOU WANT TO HELP OR NOT?!” he yelled.
Galuf stepped forward, gently tapping Lévis’ shoulder. “Levi, be nice,” he said warmly.
Lévis inhaled. Exhaled. Turned back to Domina with the expression of a man preparing for war. “Alright. Let’s fix your disaster.”
They sat Domina down like two parents addressing a troubled son. Lévis crossed his legs dramatically. Galuf smiled patiently. Domina looked like he was awaiting execution.
“So,” Lévis said, “what’s your plan for this date?”
Domina mumbled, “Dragons.”
“No dragons,” Lévis repeated firmly.
Galuf leaned forward kindly. “What does Lovie enjoy?”
Domina answered quickly. “Flowers. Calm places. Soft things. Warm tea. He likes when the sun hits the water in the courtyard pond. He likes when I talk about the ocean. He likes when I—”
He froze. Lévis and Galuf exchanged a look.
Lévis raised a brow. “You know him pretty well already.”
Domina blushed.
Galuf smiled gently. “That’s good. So let’s build from that.”
Lévis tapped his chin. “He likes quiet dates. Romantic, but not flashy. Something he’ll remember because it feels sincere.”
Domina nodded rapidly. “Yes. That. I want… something he’ll like.”
Galuf placed a hand on Domina’s shoulder (carefully, because Domina flinched at human contact he didn’t expect).
“Then do something simple,” Galuf suggested. “Meaningful. Not overwhelming.”
Lévis snapped his fingers. “Got it. A lakeside picnic.”
Domina blinked. “Picnic?”
“Yes,” Lévis said. “Food. Scenery. Hand-holding. Romance. Boom.”
Galuf nodded. “You can ask the cafeteria staff for a small basket. They’ll prepare something light and sweet.”
Domina hesitated. “I… can’t cook.”
“That’s why we’re outsourcing,” Lévis said proudly.
Galuf grinned. “You can gather some flowers yourself to decorate the blanket.”
Domina frowned. “I don’t know how to pick flowers.”
Lévis snorted. “You pluck them. It’s not a magical ritual.”
Domina glared.
Galuf laughed. “I can show you.”
Domina blinked in surprise, but actually felt relieved. “Really?”
“Of course.”
Lévis crossed his arms. “Then the final part: clothing.”
Domina stiffened. “What about it?”
“You’re going to wear something that doesn’t make you look like you’re attending a funeral.”
Domina looked down at his dark, brooding attire.
“What’s wrong with black?”
“EVERYTHING!” Lévis yelled.
Galuf shook his head gently. “A lighter shirt will look nice with your eyes.”
Domina glanced away, face warming.
Later that afternoon, Domina found himself following Galuf to the academy gardens.
Galuf demonstrated how to select healthy blossoms, trim them neatly, and handle them gently.
Domina attempted to imitate. He accidentally uprooted an entire plant.
Galuf stifled a laugh. “Maybe… gentler.”
Domina tried again. This time, he did it right.
Galuf smiled. “Good job.”
Domina felt something warm inside. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
“You’re trying hard,” Galuf replied. “Lovie will appreciate it.”
Domina lowered his eyes. “I hope so.”
Galuf placed a hand on his shoulder. “He already does.”
Once the flowers were ready and the picnic basket arranged, Lévis delivered the final stage of his “expert” advice.
“Now,” Lévis said, pacing like a general, “when you ask him out, you MUST say it like a competent human.”
“I am a competent human,” Domina muttered.
“You are barely functional,” Lévis corrected.
Galuf elbowed him. “Levi.”
“Fine,” Lévis sighed. “Anyway. Just ask him simply. No dramatics. No water explosions.”
Domina folded his arms. “I don’t explode.”
Lévis gestured at the water gently swirling around Domina’s ankles.
Domina glared. The water froze solid in embarrassment. “Okay. Maybe I do.”
“Just be honest,” Galuf advised. “He loves that about you.”
Domina felt heat rush to his face. “He does?”
“Absolutely,” Lévis said. “He likes your sincerity. And the way you look at him like he hung the moon.”
Domina covered his face. “I DO NOT—”
“Yes you do,” Lévis and Galuf said together.
Domina groaned.
Lévis smirked. “Now go. And make it romantic.”
Galuf added gently, “Be yourself.”
Domina inhaled shakily. He picked up the basket and bouquet. And walked away.
Domina found Lovie tending to herbs near the greenhouse.
When Lovie turned, his face lit with pure sunshine. “Domina! You look nice…”
Domina nearly dropped the basket. “I-I need to ask you something,” he blurted.
Lovie tilted his head gently. “What is it?”
Domina held out the flowers with trembling hands. “I… I want to take you out. On a date. If you want. With me. As in… us.”
Lovie blinked. Then smiled softly. “I would love that.”
Domina exhaled in relief so intense it nearly knocked him over.
Lovie took the flowers, holding them to his chest. “They’re beautiful,” he said. “Thank you.”
Domina’s heart flipped. “I… had help.”
Lovie giggled. “I can tell.”
Domina reddened. “Will you join me?” he asked.
Lovie took his hand. “Always.”
The lakeside at sunset was perfect. The sky dripped pink and gold across the water, and the wind carried the scent of blooming cherry lilies. Domina had set the picnic blanket neatly, arranged the flowers Galuf taught him to pick, and placed the basket carefully, exactly how Lévis instructed.
Domina sat stiffly, knees bent, hands in his lap, trying desperately to look normal. Lovie, of course, looked serene and radiant as always.
“This is beautiful,” Lovie said softly.
Domina’s entire body tensed. “It’s… okay. I guess.”
“It’s perfect,” Lovie corrected gently.
Domina stared at the water to prevent himself from combusting.
The glow of the lake shimmered softly around them, magical ripples catching the light.
Lovie rested his cheek on his palm and watched Domina fondly.
“Domina,” he whispered, “you’re adorable when you’re nervous.”
Domina’s magic immediately rippled, tiny sparkling droplets lifting off the surface of the lake as if startled.
“I-I’m not nervous,” Domina lied.
Lovie smiled. “Of course not.”
Domina stared harder at the water.
A few meters away, hidden behind rose hedges, two figures crouched. Lévis and Galuf.
Lévis held a pair of binoculars. Galuf held a thermos of tea. He looked like a tired parent.
“Levi,” Galuf sighed, “this is invasive.”
“It’s supervision,” Lévis hissed. “Vital brotherly supervision.”
Galuf raised a brow. “Your brother is on a date, not facing a hostile negotiation.”
“It’s exactly the same thing.”
Galuf sipped his tea with a sigh.
Lévis zoomed the binoculars. “I swear,” he muttered, “if Domina makes him cry—”
Galuf gently pushed the binoculars down. “Levi. He won’t.”
Lévis scowled, but his voice softened. “He better not.”
Back at the picnic blanket, Domina was… attempting to pour tea. Attempting was the key word.
His hands shook. Lovie noticed immediately and placed his hand over Domina’s.
“Let me.”
Domina swallowed hard. “Sorry. I’m… not used to dates.”
“I can tell,” Lovie giggled softly. “It’s alright.”
He poured the tea with gentle precision.
Domina stared. “You make everything look easy,” he said before he could stop himself.
Lovie froze. Domina blinked. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
“Oh gods,” Domina muttered, covering his face. “Ignore that.”
Lovie touched his arm. “Domina.”
Domina refused to uncover his face.
“Look at me,” Lovie said quietly.
Domina peeked.
Lovie’s eyes were warm. Soft. Like he could see all of Domina’s rough edges and loved them anyway.
“You’re doing wonderfully,” Lovie whispered.
Domina’s breath hitched.
Behind the bushes, Lévis bristled. “Why is he shaking?! He better not be scaring Lovie—”
Galuf pinched the bridge of his nose. “Levi, he’s shy.”
“He’s too shy,” Lévis snapped. “Suspiciously shy.”
Galuf elbowed him. “Maybe it’s because he likes Lovie.”
“Exactly,” Lévis said. “Suspicious.”
Galuf sighed.
After some sandwiches (carefully selected by Galuf), and some quiet laughter, the sun dipped lower.
Lovie gently scooted closer. Domina instantly felt his pulse spike.
“I’m really happy you asked me out,” Lovie said softly.
Domina stared at him. “You… are?”
“Of course,” Lovie smiled. “You make me feel safe.”
Domina’s chest tightened painfully. He looked away at the lake, voice low. “You make me feel… calm.”
Lovie blinked.
Domina swallowed, words spilling faster than he could control: “You make everything less heavy. When I’m with you, the noise stops. I don’t feel like I’m drowning. I don’t feel like I have to prove anything. I just…” He took a shaky breath. “…I feel like I can breathe again.”
Lovie froze.
Domina’s eyes widened. “I didn’t mean to say that.”
“Yes you did,” Lovie whispered.
Domina tensed.
Lovie reached out, gently taking Domina’s hand. “Domina, thank you.”
Domina looked panicked. “I wasn’t trying to... I didn’t want to overwhelm you. I just—”
Lovie pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
Domina went silent. Completely silent. Then red. So red he could’ve warmed the whole lake.
Lovie giggled. “You’re adorable.”
Domina choked on air.
Behind the bushes, Lévis, listening through a sound-enhancing spell, practically exploded.
“WH-WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?!”
Galuf gently pushed the binoculars aside. “Levi, calm—”
“He said EMOTIONAL WORDS. REAL ONES. HONEST FEELINGS. HE’S MOVING TOO FAST—”
“Levi,” Galuf repeated.
Lévis grabbed Galuf’s shoulders. “He kissed my brother’s cheek! HE KISSED HIM!”
“It was Lovie who kissed Domina, love.”
Lévis froze. “it was?”
“Yes.”
“Oh.”
Galuf smiled softly at him. Lévis slowly relaxed.
“I guess that’s fine then.”
Galuf looped his arm through Lévis’. “Come on. Let’s give them privacy.”
Lévis squinted suspiciously one more time at the couple, then relented. “Fine. But if he hurts Lovie—”
Galuf pulled him away. “He won’t.”
Domina was still red. Lovie was still smiling softly.
“Domina?” Lovie asked.
“Yes?” Domina squeaked.
“Would you… hold my hand?”
Domina froze.
“Yes,” he said immediately.
Lovie intertwined their fingers. Domina let out a quiet breath, like something inside him finally eased.
The sun fully set, the lake glowing with magic. And Domina, awkward, anxious, sincere Domina, rested his forehead gently against Lovie’s.
“I want… to make you happy,” he whispered. “Even if I’m bad at showing it.”
Lovie’s heart fluttered. “You already do.”
Domina closed his eyes. And for once, he didn’t feel like he was drowning. He felt like he was floating. With Lovie’s hand in his, and no one watching (or so he thought), it was the perfect first date.
The next morning, Domina thought he could breathe. He was wrong.
Lévis had other plans.
Domina was in the library, attempting to “study” (i.e., hide from social interaction), when a shadow fell over his desk.
“Blowelive,” Lévis said, voice low but carrying that terrifying authority.
Domina froze. “Good morning?”
Lévis pulled up a chair, sitting across from him, eyes narrowed. “You kissed him. You said… things. Emotional things.”
Domina’s face went crimson. “I didn’t mean to!”
“Didn’t mean to?” Lévis leaned in, voice deadly calm. “Do you understand how alarming that is? That my brother might now have unrealistic emotional expectations from someone so… so…”
“Awkward?” Domina muttered, voice barely audible.
“Precisely!” Lévis barked. “You’re awkward. Emotionally catastrophic. And somehow, he loves you anyway!”
Domina buried his face in his hands. “I panicked. I didn’t mean to say anything too much. I just... he makes me feel safe. I… I like him.”
“I want you to understand,” Lévis said, leaning back, arms crossed, “that dating my brother is dangerous. He’s soft. He’s pure. He could get hurt. And you, Blowelive, are… you.”
Domina groaned. “I know, okay?! I’m trying! I’m doing my best!”
Lévis stared at him. “Fine. But if you hurt him, I will personally turn you into a puddle of shame. Understand?”
“Yes! Crystal clear!”
Lévis sighed and finally stood. “Good. Now, go and love him or something.”
Domina buried his face in his hands again. “I hate you.”
“Love you too,” Lévis muttered, walking away.
That night, Domina couldn’t sleep. His thoughts kept drifting back to Lovie. So, naturally, he ended up back at the lake.
The water shimmered under the moonlight. The air smelled faintly of lilies. The picnic blanket from earlier was gone, but he didn’t care. Lovie was already there, sitting on the dock, feet dangling above the water. He turned and smiled when he saw Domina.
“You couldn’t sleep either?”
Domina shook his head. “No. I… I keep thinking about yesterday.”
Lovie patted the spot beside him. “Sit.”
Domina hesitated, then lowered himself carefully. His water magic swirled faintly around his legs, restless.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Lovie noted, tilting his head.
“I…” Domina swallowed. “…I keep worrying. About everything. About me. About hurting you. About being… too much.”
Lovie took his hand, warm and steady. “Domina… you’re not too much. Not ever. You’re perfect in your own way.”
Domina blinked. “I don’t feel perfect.”
“You don’t have to feel perfect,” Lovie said softly. “You just have to be… you.”
Domina looked down at their hands. “I just… I want to protect you. Make you happy. Keep you safe. I don’t know if I can.”
“You already do,” Lovie whispered, squeezing his hand. “Every day. Even when you panic, even when you worry. You care. That’s all that matters.”
Domina felt tears prick his eyes. “I’m afraid,” he admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “I’m afraid of losing you.”
Lovie tilted his head and rested his forehead against Domina’s. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
Domina’s chest tightened. “Promise?”
“Promise.” Lovie’s eyes glimmered in the moonlight. “And you don’t have to do it alone. Ever.”
Domina exhaled slowly, leaning against Lovie. For the first time in weeks, he felt his chest unclench.
They stayed like that, quietly watching the water ripple under the moon, hands intertwined. No words were necessary. Their presence alone spoke volumes.
Domina shifted nervously. “I… think Lévis is going to freak out when he finds out I’m here again at night.”
Lovie laughed softly. “Maybe. But I think he’ll be less scary than you think.”
“Less scary? Did you see him this morning? He looked like he was ready to turn me into a puddle of shame!”
Lovie chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Domina’s face. “He worries about me. That’s all.”
Domina frowned. “He worries about you…?”
“Of course,” Lovie said, smiling gently. “He’s my brother. And now, I guess, your brotherly supervisor too.”
Domina groaned. “I hate everyone. Except you.”
Lovie laughed softly. “Except me, huh?”
Domina nodded, ducking his face into Lovie’s shoulder. “Except you.”
They stayed at the lake for hours, talking quietly about trivial things: favorite books, magical mishaps, dreams for the future.
When the moon reached its peak, Domina sighed. “I think I can go to sleep now.”
Lovie smiled, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “Good. Sleep well.”
Domina rested his forehead on Lovie’s shoulder once more. “Thank you. For being… patient with me.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” Lovie whispered. “I love you.”
Domina froze. “I love you too,” he whispered back.
For once, it wasn’t awkward, wasn’t flustered, it was simply true.
And for the first time, under the soft moonlight, with the lake shimmering gently before them, Domina felt… home.