Chapter Text
Leona couldn’t help but be a little bit embarrassed after his overblot. Not only did he hurt Ruggie, who was basically his only friend, but he also humiliated himself in front of the Diasomnia group. He’d never live this down, so long as he was in this school. All the more reason to concentrate on his studies and graduate.
When Ruggie tried to take him for a quick checkup in the infirmary he declined, declaring that, ‘We need to play first. We need to prove we’re better than Diasomnia.’ He didn’t argue back, but there was a pitying look. Whatever, Leona’ll prove him wrong.
Honestly, Leona almost did. They were playing on the pitch smoothly, beating Heartslabyul (thankfully.) and Scarabia. Things only became a problem when Leona was told he was playing against Diasomnia after a quick hydration break in the locker rooms.
He practically ran into the nearest stall, not caring about locking it or who saw him. He anxiously chewed on his nails, not knowing what to do. Sure, he was all cocky and confident before, but that was a facade. He didn’t want to experience a crushing defeat by the hands of Diasomnia, but it was practically guaranteed. His team would probably be even more demoralised and likely play terribly for the next matches after. They’d never win the Spelldrive tournament when that draconic freak is involved.
Too absorbed in his panic attack, he didn’t even realise Ruggie was gently knocking on the door and poking his head through. Leona felt bad, now. Ruggie had already dealt with enough of his problems, and the cracks on his skin was a painful reminder of the consequences of this. ‘Leona? Are you good? A reminder that we need to be on the pitch in 2 minutes.’ The younger boy spoke, sitting beside him. ‘Come on. Even if we lose against Diasomnia, it doesn’t change the fact that we’re playing great. And hey,’ Ruggie gently nudged him with his elbow. ‘We’re injured. They’re not. That just proves that we have to be at a disadvantage for them to even stand a chance against us!’ He snickered. The 2nd year did know how to cheer Leona up for sure. Feeling a boost in his confidence, they both stood up and walked towards the pitch. As they were walking, Leona murmured a small, almost inaudible, ‘thank you.’
When they finally got onto the pitch and into positions, Leona could feel the post-overblot catching up to him now. He felt terrible. His vision was swimming, his heart beat felt wrong, and his hands were shaking. It was hard for others to pretend they didn’t notice. A few of his own team glanced his way worriedly, whilst Diasomnia only gave pitying looks.
Leona barely even heard the whistle to begin being blown, flying up into the air a good few seconds after the rest of his peers did. The change in height only made his dizziness worse. He pushed through, and eventually he soared past a Diasomnia student and managed to take the disc off him. With a powerful surge pf magic, he sent the disc into the goal. The sound of cheers and his team celebrating was the last thing he heard before his grip slipped and he was plummeting into the dirt below.
‘Leona!’ He felt a pair of hands trying to shake him. He blinked a few times until his vision cleared, and he realised it was Ruggie. ‘Are you okay, dude? You just collapsed all of a sudden!’ Headmage Crowley came running across the pitch, and Leona groaned. He couldn’t be bothered to deal with his squawking right now. It wasn’t that big of a deal, he only collapsed- oh shit. Leona made the mistake of looking down, and that’s when he realised his ankle was twisted at an unnatural angle. That’s probably why everyone was gawking and concerned. Crowley came to his side, and began chattering almost immediately. ‘Oh dear! We need to get you to the infirmary. Draconia, could you please carry Kingscholar to the infirmary?’ Crowley began murmuring to himself about ‘unwanted attention’ and ‘extra responsibilities and paperwork.’
Leona couldn’t be bothered to listen to what he was saying, tuning him out until he heard ‘Draconia.’ Seriously?! Him?! Did the Great Seven really hate him today? ‘No fucking way. I’d rather walk.’ He practically snarled when Malleus came closer and tried to scoop him into his arms. ‘Don’t you dare.’ He warned. Malleus only gave him an unimpressed look and picked him up. ‘You think you should be complaining? I’m the one actually having to touch you.’ Leona’s face contorted into offence, but he didn’t speak more, lest he continue the conversation and listen to that annoying, aggravating voice for another second.
Malleus began taking the trip towards the infirmary. ‘A shut mouth almost suits you, Kingscholar. Makes you much more enjoyable to be around.’ Leona was seething by now. ‘Shut up and do your damn job. You could’ve told someone else to do it, but no, you had to decide to ruin my day.’ Malleus rolled his eyes. ‘I just said a shut mouth suits you, yet you have to spite me and talk anyway.’ Leona didn’t know whether to continue to spite him or spare himself of a conversation. He eventually settled on the latter, but made sure to occasionally flick Malleus with his tail, just to be an asshole.
Malleus was clearly irritated by this for the rest of the journey. When they were in the corridor leading to the infirmary, he gripped the other’s tail. Leona let out an undignified squeak. His face turned red in embarrassment, and the situation became worse when Malleus smirked at him. ‘Keep your trap shut, Draconia, or I’ll kick you so hard you’ll lose a tooth.’ Malleus only gave him a grating laugh. ‘With your ankle, I doubt it.’
He stepped into the room and dropped him unceremoniously onto the bed. ‘Now, I believe my job is finished.’ Before he could walk away, Leona grabbed his collar and pulled him dangerously close. ‘If you ever do something like that again to irritate me, I’ll do a lot worse than flick you with my tail.’ Malleus gave him a mischievous yet nervous smile. Leona barely had time to process what it meant. He blinked and Malleus’s lips were on his, his hands cupping Leona’s cheeks, their tails intertwining. Leona couldn’t help but freeze, caught off guard. To his horror, he realised he was enjoying this. Enjoying a kiss with Malleus?! How could this be happening?!
Malleus pulled away and wiped his mouth, then teleported away before they could have an awkward silence.
Leona was now left lying there in confusion and longing. Malleus had just casually changed their relationship with one simple kiss.
He found himself wanting another.