Chapter Text
“Yuunnooo!!” Leopold yelled from a distance, running at full speed towards the Golden Dawn Trio. He’d been planning on telling Yuno about something important, though he wasn’t too sure how to approach it, nor did he know how Yuno would react to Leo confessing that he’s also in love with their mutual rival.
“Ah, Cousin Leopold!” Mimosa smiled and waved at him, watching the Crimson Lion run towards them and suddenly jump into Yuno. Yuno was fast enough to summon his wind and prevent Leopold from outright jumping on top of him.
Klaus readjusted his glasses and spoke, “Leopold Vermillion, I hope you are aware that making such a ruckus as royalty is frowned upon!” As always, Klaus tries to keep everyone orderly. And as always, his attempts fails.
“It's fine, Klaus! I’m quite sure he’s very aware of that.” Mimosa said bluntly, still smiling.
Klaus just stared, as if in disbelief that these two royalty has no grasp on how their action affects their repuation. No way that Royalty and Nobles are that different, right? Nobles usually had to keep a polite act in order not to tarnish their house’s name. Shouln’t it be the same for Royalty? Am I overthinking this?! Klaus pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing.
“Yuno, walk with me!” Leopold said, pointing at Yuno with a confident hand.
Yuno stared down at the redhead and his toothy smile, smiling himself. “Where to?” He asked. Leopold’s smile grew brighter, he grabbed Yuno’s arm and basically dragged him along to the gates of the Golden Dawn’s base. Yuno took notice of how Leopold increasingly grew nervous. Was this important?
Leopold looked around, making sure no one else but Yuno was in earshot. He wasn’t the type to be so nervous, this was new! And their relationship was as well! What if telling Yuno about it ruins their relationship?! What if Yuno gets mad?! Leopold felt nauseous at the thought. Get it together, Leopold! You musn’t act like a coward, you’re Royalty!!
“So...! I’m not too sure how to go with this—” Leopold laughed nervously. “I just.. Don’t wanna hide secrets! We did say that, didn’t we?” Leopold looked up at the taller expectantly.
“We did. You can say it, though I can’t promise that I won’t judge.” Yuno said, reaching down to hold Leopold's hands. He wasn’t the type to be physical or affectionate at all, but Leopold was. And seeing how nervous Leopold was stirred some worry in his chest. He didn’t do feelings, not much at all, but when Leopold confessed—more like loudly announced his admiration and attraction—that he liked liked him, he wanted to try. If he was being honest, he wasn’t too fond of Leopold when they first met in that fateful day where the Royal Capital was attacked. Though, he had to admit, Leopold’s loudness and enthusiasm reminded him of Asta in a way.
“Okay, that makes me even more nervous.” Leopold said, fidgeting with Yuno’s hands. He liked holding Yuno’s hands, they were soft and smooth. He didn’t wanna ruin what they have at all. But he also can’t hide this from him forever! “I think I like Asta the way I like you.” He blurted out, looking down at Yuno’s and his intertwined hands before quickly adding, “But I also like you still! Like- I like-like both of you? Equallyyyy...?” Leopold panicked and braced himself, getting ready for.. He doesn’t know. He doubts that Yuno’s the type to yell out of anger.. Maybe in a fight, he would.
Yuno leaned down a bit to inspect Leopold’s expression. He didn’t expect that drabble of words, but nonetheless he’s a bit happy that Leopold is telling him this. It means that he himself doesn’t have to hide the fact that he likes Asta too. “You like Asta too?” Yuno asked.
Leopold turned his head so quickly, staring wide-eyed at Yuno. “Too?!?! ”
“Yes. Too.” Yuno confirmed.
“You like Asta too.” Leopold said, like he couldn’t believe his ears.
“I’ve been beating myself up feeling guilty for liking Asta while we’re dating, and you tell me that you like him too?!” Leopold pulled his hands away, grabbing his own hair and pulling. His head hurted at Yuno’s confession. He likes him too?! And here I was worrying about telling him that I like Asta?! He mentally cursed at himself for feeling so worried. Wait, why does he feel relieved about this anyway? His boyfriend just admitted he likes someone else! Shouldn’t he be mad about that since they’re the ones dating and all?
“You were.. worried about telling me this?” Yuno tilted his head, he did know that Leopold and Asta were very alike and got along well with the other. He also had some suspicions that Leopold may or may not be too fond of Asta, much like he is. He didn’t mind just admiring Asta from afar, never telling him his feelings for him, and maybe bond over it with Leopold.
“Yes, I was! I am! I- Whatever!” Leopold shook his head, “You’re too calm about this!” Leopold pointed at Yuno’s eerily calm face accusingly.
“Well.. We both like Asta, we both like each other too. But would Asta feel the same way?” Yuno asked. One of the things he was sure of is that he didn’t want to do anything with needing to explain the concept of dating and love and all that stuff to Asta. It would be a hassle he didn’t want to be involved in. He barely knew a thing when it came to it anyway. “And just to say.. I had some suspicions. You aren’t very discreet.”
“You knew?!” Leopold held his head in his hands, face burning up. He really will be a Crimson Lion King now. “How!” He looked up at Yuno once again, gazing into those golden eyes with his own teary ones. This is just embarrassing! Yuno was suspicious! Suspicious! Of me! Liking Asta! This observant bastard!
“Well, for one, you comment a lot on his muscles.” Yuno recalled to the time—before him and Leo were together—he was dragged by Asta to go train with him and Leo since they all had the day off. Upon meeting with Leopold, of course he had to comment on how “nice” his muscles were and maybe poke his biceps. Asta, being the dense idiot he was, he laughed and showed Leopold how many sit-ups he can do in under a minute.
“That’s- Okay, fair point, but anyone would’ve been interested in his workout routine! I myself am planning on building muscles—Is it bad that I wanna know some tips from him? Look at him! He’s jacked! And he’s only 16!”
“You’re not exactly making it any better for yourself, Leo. I can still list more. Like how you and Mimosa get a bit shy around Asta.”
“No I do not! And don’t bring up Mimosa! I don’t want her knowing I also like Asta! I’ve literally been cheering her on to make a move on him—of course she kind of doesn’t mention a name, but it’s pretty obvious who it is. Who wouldn’t like Asta?” Leopold asked rhetorically.
“Okay, I get it, you like him.” Yuno said teasingly, smiling down at Leopold, who was probably going to be grumpy the whole day after having this talk. He found it cute. He couldn’t believe he actually thinks that Leopold is cute. He would’ve never admitted to it months ago.
“Okay, enough with teasing me, unless you wanna meet my flames.” Leopold threatened, holding a fist up at Yuno before bringing it down with his other hand to hold Yuno’s again. “So.. We both like him. What do we do now? Tell him?”
“Probably the best thing to do. He doesn’t like being kept in the dark, even though sometimes it seems like he’s too stupid to comprehend some things. But you’re going to be the one explaining the couple-y stuff.” Yuno said, placing it upon Leopold’s shoulders that he was to be the one to explain what romantic relationships are to their mutual crush.
Yuno wasn’t too knowledgeable about these things, but given that Leopold is royalty and probably have either seen it first-hand or read some stuff with romance being the main topic—He has seen Mimosa reading some romance novels or whatever those were called, since they’re cousins, Leopold might be familiar?—or have experienced it himself, unlike Yuno, he thinks its better to put that pressure on Leo.
“Uhm, why do I have to?” Leopold asked, looking up at the wind mage.
Yuno did not reply, letting the gears turn in Leopold’s head. And when it did, he could see the confusion ebb away from Leopold’s expression.
“Ohhh.. Right.” Leopold mused, almost felt stupid for assuming Yuno had any experience in that field, given he grew up mostly admiring Asta’s determination and drive, and nothing else. “You’re very goal oriented, you probably don’t even... Okay, but you’re in charge of getting Asta from the Black Bulls’ base. I have no clue where it is.” He wasn’t lying. All he knew is that Mereoleona had been there before and mentioned it being inside a forest once, and he knows a lot of forests! Damn Mereoleona and her vagueness!
“Neither do I, but I could ask Captain Vangeance about it.” Yuno agreed easily to Leopold’s compromise.
“So, how do we go about this?” Leopold asked, having no idea how to not make the confession the most embarrassing memory for the next decade of his life. “What do we—What do we do, exactly?”
Yuno shrugged. “Picnic? To lure him out?” he suggested. What else was he supposed to suggest anyway?
“Lure him out? What is he, an animal?” Leopold laughed at Yuno’s words, “That’s a terrible idea! Let’s do it!” Yuno smiled upon hearing the familiar sound, Leopold’s nervousness finally gone. He felt very proud of himself for being able to ease the tension in the fire mage.
And with that, their plan was set. Mostly. Aside from Leopold preparing their supposed “picnic” idea and Yuno scouting out his Captain to ask where the Black Bulls base may be. Since he heard that the Captains of the Golden Dawn and Black Bulls were close comrades, he seemed to be the most logical person to ask.
~
Leopold had left the Golden Dawn’s base some time ago, Yuno almost missed the loudness that came from his boyfriend. Shaking his head, he walked theough the halls of their base.
The Golden Dawn's base was quiet, with the occasional chatter of some members within it. Yuno, growing up in a loud household, was still getting used to it despite already being here for a handful of months. While walking towards their Captain’s office, his mind wandered.
Is this really a good idea? Telling Asta?
Yuno thought about that time when he and Asta were kids, Asta fighting away the burglar for his sake and giving him courage. That memory was precious to him, and ever since that, he’d grown to admire Asta. And that admiration quickly turned into love.
How would Asta react to me, admitting that I have loved him since he had done that?
What if Asta actually likes someone else?
Even though that seemed impossible, Yuno’s brows already furrowed at the thought of Asta liking someone else. Though he had to remind himself that Asta was probably too caught up in telling the whole kingdom that he’s going to become the wizard king. Not to mention, that was one of the reasons why Yuno had been putting off telling Asta about his crush for so long, Asta’s just too focused on that goal.
And despite knowing the boy his whole life, he didn’t know what to expect from Asta when he and Leopold drops this on the idiot. Probably him asking what the words meant and why they’re being so serious when they’re supposed to be “hanging out”. As much as possible, he wanted to be with Asta, even if it sounded like he’s being desperate. Fine, he is. Fine, he admits, he doesn’t want anyone but Leopold and himself to have Asta, even though that makes him sound like a possessive scum, he has faced his truth. There was no denying it.
He’d almost walked past his Captain’s office doors before taking a few steps backwards to gaze upon the large and intricate doors. It looks more expensive than two copies of his home church. He knocks on the door, “Captain, I ask for your guidance.” he announces. He doesn’t need to state his name, his Captain very much already knows everyone’s voice. He finds it odd how he can just do that.
The door opened and he was greeted by his Vice Captain’s brooding face. Looking into the office, he realizes that their Captain wasn’t there. Where had he gone to now?
“He was called to the Royal Capital not long ago. And I beg of you, to please tell the others to stop knocking and nagging me about him! He. Is. Not. Here.” His Vice Captain said with a strict tone, almost angry. No, definitely angry.
“I see.” Yuno thought over his choices, weighing them. Leopold and Yuno agreed that they’ll confess to Asta tomorrow. Since it was payday, the three of them can hang out, hopefully uninterrupted. “Your brother is a Black Bull like Asta, right?” he asked, not bothering to use his Vice Captain’s name or title.
“Why are you bringing this up? This is a terrible time to bring him up!” His Vice Captain spat, clearly enraged at the mention of his brother. Yuno wondered why the pair had to be so difficult. He was not like this with his own siblings back in Hage Village, much less hate them so openly.
“I wanted to ask Captain Vangeance where the Black Bulls’ base is. Since he isn’t here, and the only other person that might know where their base is I will assume is you, Vice Captain Langris. Since your brother is a Black Bull.” Yuno gestured at the empty seat in front of their Captain’s desk.
“So you do know that my brother is a Black Bull, what was the reason for even asking me that if you already know?” Langris pointed an angry finger at Yuno, but did calm down when his mind registered that he was referred to by his title and name. “No, I don't know where their base is.” He said, getting ready to close the doors until the Wind Mage’s stubbornness blew past him and made him stumble back a few steps from that strong gust of wind.
“I know that’s a lie.” Yuno said, his grimoire floating by his side.
“And how do you think so?” Langris’ smirk twitched at the sight of Yuno’s defensive stance. His insolence angered him. He really didn’t have time for this, he had papers to manage and reports to finish.
“Because he’s has transportation magic and you’re his brother. I assume that you’ve at least been there.” Yuno shrugged. His logic was too simple for Langris’ taste.
“Seriously? That just sounds stupid. He doesn’t bring me everywhere, you know.” Langris scoffed, finding it absolutely ridiculous that he thought that it was that simple.
“Yes, that is my name.” Yuno stared down at his Vice Captain for a few agonizing seconds as Langris’ glare reached a boiling point. It doesn’t seem like he liked Yuno’s pun very much.
“It’s a bit hard to spot, given it’s in a rather large forest, and their base is reinforced with magic.” Langris reluctantly started to share the priceless information, “It’s in the Common Realm, but I have observed that their base is close to the borders of the Common Realm and Forsaken Realm. Just keep going South until you sense a strong pull of mana, that’s how I usually get there.”
“Usually?” Yuno tilted his head at that. He wasn’t the type of meddle into other mage’s business, especially his own squad, but he couldn’t help but be curious. Is Vice Captain and his brother actually on good terms? He wondered. After what happened with the elves, no one was really sure about them ever having a connection ever again.
“Yes, usually when I want to berate and yell at their idiot Captain for being too much for my brother! That man makes my blood boil!” Langris said, suddenly getting angier as he spoke about the Black Bulls Captain. “Do not speak to me about that man.” He said with a strict tone, pointing his finger at Yuno.
“..I think you don’t like their Captain. Just saying.” Yuno’s eyes darted away when Langris pointed his angry gaze towards him. Yuno could feel himself sweating, but he kept his nonchalant facade. Who knew that Vice Captain Langris can be not only rude and cocky, but also be intimidating?
“You think?! Ever since he and Finral got together, its like he’s become even more involved in my life!” Langris groaned, pressing his hands against his face and letting out an even louder and longer groan. “I'm going off topic, where were we?”
“We’re done. You already told me how you usually get there, and the additional information of you talking about their Captain and your brother being togethe—” Before Yuno could finish it, the door was closed on him.
It seemed that it wasn’t too hard to rile up their Vice Captain. He will be keeping that in mind. And he got to know some other stuff about the Black Bulls that wasn’t from Asta’s perspective. Who knew that the Black Bulls’ Captain and their transportation mage—Finral was his name, according to Vice Captain Langris’ rambling—were a thing?
Yuno gave it some thought. If a battle-brute and cowardly mage can fall in love and be in a relationship as unconventional as it is, maybe Dumb and Dumber and himself can be as well.
After receiving their pay, Yuno and Leopold excused themselves out of their respective bases. Neither of them told anyone where they were going, simply running off and ignoring the questioning looks they were given. Yuno and Leopold was too focused on mentally preparing himself for the upcoming conversation to answer anyone that asked where they were going on their way out of their bases.
~
In the Golden Dawn’s base, Captain Vangeance watched as Yuno almost immediately run off after receiving his pay, but stopping briefly at the door and bowing to excuse himself. William looked to his side where Langris stood, “Where exactly is he going? I understand everybody may have plans today, but for Yuno to run off like that is a bit uncharacteristic.” he asked out of curiosity. He kept a good eye on Yuno, and usually Yuno would float around Mimosa and Klaus on these days, or excuse himself to the training grounds.
“Visiting the Black Bulls, I believe. He asked where their base was yesterday.” Langris replied.
“You, of all people, entertained that question?” William teased his Vice Captain, earning a scoff from him. He chuckled. Langris openly disliked the Black Bulls, he would almost avoid talking about them at all when the topic rises. And the rare times he did, it would be to insult the Bulls’ Captain, his brother, and sometimes the “Anti-Magic brat”. Mainly their Captain. He wondered why he’s gotten much more hostile towards him this past few weeks.
~
In the Crimson Lion Kings’ base, Fuegoleon stood beside Mereoleona, who was yelling at the squad about their monthly pay. He had taken time off from his Captainly duties for the time being. After the Royal Capital was attacked, he had gone into coma, then only woke up when the elves had attacked. He, of course, desperately needed to rest easy after everything that had happened. It had only been a few weeks since the elves were put to rest, and he slowly started to appear more outside of his chambers, mostly with Mereoleona walking either beside him or behind him. Today was no different, he simply wanted to see for himself that his squad was behaving and training properly, and had gotten their respective paychecks.
Leopold took slow steps towards Mereoleona, accepting the bag of coins. Not that he needed this money, but it was for clearing missions and helping with the rebuilding, he could always just put it in the Vermillion Estate’s bank.
She noticed Leopold’s tense shoulders and how he slouched ever so slightly. Raising an eyebrow at that, “You’re nervous.” Mereoleona pointed out as she stared down at her youngest brother, hands on both of her hips.
“Am not! I am Leopold Vermilion, I have better things to worry about than stand around all nervous!” Leopold insisted, fixing his stance and puffing up his chest. I’m not nervous. I am not nervous. I am not nervous! Leopold chanted in his head, though he couldn’t hide his reddish cheeks.
“You have better be! I don’t wanna see any negative energy radiating from ya!” Mereoleona laughed heartily, catching Leopold in a headlock and ruffling Leopold’s hair roughly.
“Mereo—! Can’t- Breathe!” Leopold tried to pull away from Mereoleona's grasp, earning a harsh noogie atop his head. When Mereoleona finally let go, Leopold gasped for air and almost stumbled backwards. He had long dropped his bag of coins from the struggle. Trying to breathe evenly was the only thing on his mind until he felt a hand reach down and raise his head.
“If there’s anything you need to tell us, do not be afraid to share it. Got that, Leopold?” Fuegoleon said, reaching to fix Leopold’s messy hair for him. Leopold relaxed. Despite not being too far apart from age range, and ignoring how Fuegoleon scolds Leopold, Fuegoleon and Mereoleona were very different. At least in the way they handled their youngest brother.
“Uh, yeah. Yeah, I will.” Leopold said sheepishly, pulling away from Fuegoleon’s hands and continued to fix his hair himself.
“...I mean it, Leopold. You’re being very quiet today, there must be something bothering you.” Fuegoleon insisted, placing a hand on the younger mage’s shoulder, trying to reassure him.
“Well- Its.. Bah! Its nothing! I’ll just- I gotta go. If anything does happen, can I- Can I come to you, big bro? Big sis?” Leopold asked, smiling nervously, as he fidgeted with his sleeves. You are being way too nervous! Stop being nervous! They’re going to worry! Leopold scolded himself internally for stuttering so much—Why is he stuttering?! These were his older siblings for mana’s sake!
“Of course. I will be in my chambers.” Fuegoleon’s worry eased from hearing that Leopold will come to them if anything happens. He doesn’t know what Leopold means by that, but he will not interfere. If Leopold doesn’t ask for help, he must already have something in mind. When Leopold comes forth, he will simply listen to his younger brother’s words and judge accordingly, and give advice.
“It better be hot, Leopold!” Mereoleona yelled with a smile, watching Leopold basically run off. She sometimes wondered how Leopold could be such a confident character, yet be so nervous at times.