splitmemory | a lion and his fae

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a lion and his fae

two nerds, sittin in a hot spring, 0 ft apart bc they are gay
continuation of this with just random. leona/lilia shenanigans

ya

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[ there are some nights where leona kingscholar, award winning lazy ass, can't fall asleep. maybe it's the specific kind of fabric softener that ruggie uses or doesn't use? maybe it's the wind or lack thereof that doesn't whistle through his open windows and doesn't make that kind of ambient sound that makes it easier for him to drift off. there could be a number of factors but regardless of which one is affecting the most, it's still keeping him from sleeping.

so on this one night in particular, some time after his most memorable of train rides with that fae... he's walking out of the savanaclaw dorm proper and out into the sands. despite being in their own dimension, he's fully aware of how different it is compared to his home. it's close. yet.

but he doesn't expect to see someone else out in the open sands, not that far from the dorm. as he recognizes that smaller shape, the beastman goes from being apprehensive to feeling relief. ]

Yo. Ya know, if you were gonna come visit... should've just let me know. Could've come and got you personally.

[ one hand on his hip as he leans to that same side, and leona raises an eyebrow. ]

[ The evenings were when Lilia felt the most ‘him.’ Unlike most at this school, he found that adapting to a diurnal schedule was near impossible. On the nights he can’t sleep, too awake for his own good, he wanders. Usually, there isn’t a single soul awake, no one enough to wander out of their dorms to walk outside. That’s precisely why he feels so safe wandering between the different little dimensions, poking around where he can.

Savanaclaw’s was one of the nicer spaces, especially at night. The stars seen clearly on certain nights, without the pollution of concentrated magic in the air. Or maybe it’s just his own perception, his own desire to be under stars that looked as real as the ones above.

This night was one like many. He couldn’t sleep, was wandering. The sand underfoot was no problem for him, adding to the sense of calm that washes over him. It requires focus, to keep from stumbling. Enough focus that he felt comfortable letting his mind wander, his eyes focused up on the sky.

By the time he’s found, he’s sat in the sand, his hands on either side of him, leaning back to give him a better angle to watch the stars shine above. The voice is the only thing that brings him pause. Glancing over, Lilia offers a smile. ]

And disturb the King’s beauty sleep? No no, I don’t think so. Besides, I’m not here for you. Or anyone else for that matter.

[ It’s not meant as a rude or harsh comment. More, the truth. He motions up to the sky. ]

I’m here for those. The stars. [ And, a small pause, as he takes another look at Leona, ] What’s got you awake at such an hour, hm?

[ there's a reason why the stars in the sky around the savanaclaw dorm are so bright. it's because leona personally requested that they shine. it's because of that romantic and childish notion that he's forever kept in his heart. though his beliefs may be kept under lock and key, quiet to all those except those closest to him, he keeps them alive.

but he will take slight offense to lilia being here, but not to see him? he clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes. how important are these stars to him? they can't possibly mean as much to leona. if at all.

so he takes a seat next to the fae, arms on his knees, matching lilia's eyes with his own. ]

Couldn't sleep. Happens to the best of us.

[ under the starlight, lilia is almost ephemeral. a handsome, cute, and refined individual sitting next to a beastman. ]

So when you look up, what do you see?

[ In truth, Lilia would have preferred not to have been found at all. The night was his time. His time to be alone, to think, to focus on whatever he couldn't during the day while Malleus and the others of his inner circle were awake and pestering him. Not that he minds the pestering. Just, sometimes... he wishes for the quiet moments like this.

Maybe it won't be all that bad to have company. He should give Leona a chance, allow the two of them to spend some time together. After all... they hadn't exactly been avoiding each other after returning, but they certainly haven't talked again all that recently.

When Leona's eyes match his, Lilia turns his gaze away, back up to the stars above. ]

It is far too silly to divulge. Are you sure you want to hear this old man prattle on and on?

[ Leona will earn another look from Lilia, a tiny shift in the smaller's position, to allow him to get a better look at him. ]

I'll tell you, if you really want to know. For a price.

[ Sneaky little-- ]

[ well. sucks to be him. he's on savanaclaw territory, therefore anything the light touches (or night) belongs to him. that's just old savanna law coming into play. which means, technically, lilia and his thoughts are allowed to be his! it's the rule.

he frowns when the fae looks away. it's not like they've been distancing themselves from one another. but he also doesn't want to chase someone who had made a pretty firm promise? it's up to lilia to keep it. not him.

still... ]

Of course I do.

[ ... and then he places his palm against his forehead. ]

And of course there's a price. What're you askin' for.

[ Does it look like Lilia cares about Savanaclaw law? He could vanish in a snap if he wanted to, there was nothing keeping him here.... Aside from Leona himself. It'd be rude to vanish on him, when they finally had a few minutes of free time to sit and chat with one another. Lilia wiggles closer in the sand. ]

I want to know what you see, first.

[ See? Simple, easy. Definitely not fair, if one was going to talk about fairness.

How can Leona deny him when Lilia moves close enough to press his cheek against Leona's shoulder, to lean up against him. His own actions might seem frivolous and uncaring, but can that really be the case if one of his hands moves to press against the middle of Leona's back, nails lightly dragging up his spine? If his hand presses after between his shoulders, rubbing there before repeating the motion down?

The silent ways of showing his adoration... how could anyone deny him anything? ]

[ if lilia thinks he can get away from him that quickly, he's got another thing coming. one of the best things about having superb control over his magic reserves is that he can feel something big approaching better than most. so--- he will pounce. lie on lilia. put some familiar weight on top of him. yeah, he could probably escape but would he want to? maybe if he knew what would come next...

anyway. he scrunches up his face in response. ]

What I see?

[ well. there's no one else around. lilia could probably tell if he lied, too. there's no point in trying to deceive the fae. ]

I see the past lookin' down on me. The expectations of kings weighin' down on a silly lil' prince who couldn't beat tradition.

[ he closes his eyes soon after. it's because lilia's so good at calming him down, providing a succor that he normally didn't have when wandering the sands alone. ]

What 'bout you.

[ Oh-! The pounce, as unexpected as it was, was easily adapted to. Lilia lets out a tiny laugh, slipping his arms around Leona as they lay there in the sand together, his eyes focused up on the stars above them as his hand resumes the careful motions against his back.

Would Leona lie? Try to get out of saying anything at all? No, he speaks, and his words feel like the truth. Lilia accepts them, one of his hands slowly moving up to the back of Leona’s head. His fingers carefully press into his hair, stroking it with a soft focused hum. ]

A pressure… expectations. That’s a lot for one man to handle all on his own.

[ With those words, Lilia takes his sweet time before offering his own explanation for what he sees within the stars. ]

… There were these two people I once knew. One was my rival, of sorts. Trained with me. Pushed me forward. Convinced me to make childish promises.

[ Lifting one hand, he reaches up towards the sky above, a soft, sad smile resting on his face. ]

One of the things he told me and our beloved friend when we got older, when our work sent us different ways for the very first time, was this: as long as we’re apart, we will always be looking up at the same sky. The stars will be there, as will the moon. The night will guide us back to each other forevermore, in the same way as our blessings have guided humans for centuries.

[ His hand falls back down, moving back into its spot against the back of Leona’s head, playing with some strands of his hair. ]

And so… it would be a shame to let his words go to waste, even now. Wouldn’t it?

[ Plenty of hints here to grasp onto. Hints of a past that before had been nothing but secrets. Now, two figures mentioned. Training, too, as something big that had been mentioned throughout the conversation. Plenty for Leona to try and ask about. ]

… Anyways. That’s what I see. It’s not all that complicated for me.

Edited 2024-09-12 12:51 (UTC)

[ admittedly, the more that lilia strokes through his hair and soothes him through those touches, the urge to sleep rises back into his system. that he could probably doze off right here and now with a story being told. recalling a past that could have been many lifetimes ago, when some of those stars above probably were present in the world. instead, they listen just like how leona does. the beastman hums as he presses his nose into lilia's neck, against his throat, gently headbutting his jaw with a kind of feline-esque affection. ]

Sounds a lil' too romantic for my blood. [ he snorts, closing his eyes to enjoy the moment. ] But it also seems like you're waitin' to see those friends of yours again.

[ which means... well. lilia can only be around for so long. probably. something about that makes his chest tighten. he better not be thinking about breaking that promise he already made. his wasn't childish! ]

I'm also guessin'... it's been a long time since you've seen 'em both. Do ya really think the night's gonna do that for you? Think they're gonna be waitin'?

[ he knows the implications of what lilia's said. he's not that dumb, grounded to reality. but that doesn't mean he's not hopeful for the best even if reality tends to be a much harsher and unkind thing. ]

[ If only life were ever that simple. Waiting to see those friends again... no, he'd long since given up on the idea. His hand stills against the back of Leona's head at those questions. It wasn't a set that he couldn't answer without still keeping his past a secret, without still holding so much back, hidden under lock and key.

At least that affection had offset the hints of pain that'd flit into his heart. The little headbutt, the way his nose presses there against his throat. All of it was enough to help push down the worst of those feelings.

To come back to the present. ]

You'd be right to guess that. It's been a long time. Longer than I can even count. [ Far before Malleus had hatched, back in his youth -- over, what, 400 years ago? Something like that. The years all seem to be blurring together, the memories hard to grasp, almost lost as much to time as his own history was to the public. The pain still slipped on in occasion. When he'd look at Malleus, see the visages of those long since forgotten by history aside from the barest of descriptions. ] I'd like to see them again. However... The two of them aren't waiting anywhere that I can go just yet. I still have a while yet before I follow.

I'm a nocturnal creature. The night is where I belong, where I fit. It will always be my comfort, my place. Only now it serves to remind me what I've been working towards and what I will do with the time I have that they do not.

[ Even with how vague he is, his words are certain and clear. Those friends-- ]

There you have it. You've gotten this old man to prattle on and on. [ There's a smile in his voice, as he moves his hand down to poke Leona in the side, ] Happy? Hmmmm? [ poke poke poke poke poke-- ] Who are you to say you don't have romantic tastes, as well?? Mister "promise me"-! [ ... And there he goes, laughing as if he could just wash away any seriousness of that conversation with a little bit of silliness. ]

Edited 2024-09-12 19:58 (UTC)

[ he doesn't know and he may never want to know. lilia says the things that he needs to say, but what's left unsaid is what gives leona pause. that he can infer and assume and he may very well be wrong, but. he's pretty sure he isn't. that lilia isn't exactly ancient, but has probably seen way more than anyone on campus--- beyond the numbers that he says he can supposedly count to. maybe close to the world? or at least, leona's world. lilia's part of it now. a very important part. he's not going to yank any more words out of lilia's mouth. whatever he tells him has to be of his own volition. ]

Old man... [ leona huffs at the poke. then the other pokes. and then he's being taunted? in his own domain?? he wiggles from side to side, his tail sweeping back and forth. ] ... you're not afraid that you're not robbin' the cradle?

[ he presses his cheek against lilia's. then, he brushes his nose against the other's. a different kind of kiss before he presses his lips against the fae's. something brief. chaste. purposeful. in the dimmest of lights, of the star light that sparkles above, there's just enough to stare deeply into those mysterious eyes of his. ]

Yeah. I wanted you to promise. 'cause any time I spend with you... I'm learnin' something. Not just about you but about myself. Not to mention you can lift me up and you have a nice ass.

[ and now it's his turn to laugh, though he's being serious. lilia's ass? s tier. ]

[ Speaking so openly was not something that Lilia tended to do. If Leona wanted to know something, he'd need to wait for hints to drop, to gather little bits of information until finally he can piece together the full picture. Until that point, he'd continue to be lost among the labyrinth of falsities and truths that Lilia spills over time. Even if he were to ask, there's nothing that would suggest that Lilia would ever offer the truth. So tricky, even if he has his own reasons. ]

That's something fae are rumored to do anyways~ [ Keeping his voice light, he laughs as he feels the little press against his cheek with Leona's own. The tiny press of their noses together, and then that sweet little kiss... Lilia returns it, bringing one hand up to cup Leona's cheek. ] You're an adult according to most standards. I trust your judgement on what is right or wrong for you.

[ Besides, it's not as if they were serious, right? They hadn't had the 'what are we' conversation and while this feels like it could lead there... Lilia ignores that thought, laughing alongside Leona. ]

That is no way for a prince to speak, Mister Kingscholar. [ Lilia chastises the boy, grinning up at him, ] So crass and straightforward to speak about what you enjoy. Must I teach you the proper way to speak to those of interest to you? Or in general, to speak with grace and dignity with everything you say? Mm, I suppose I can overlook it this once. My mercy deserves a reward, don't you think?

[ He's just being a little shit now. The hand that doesn't rest against his cheek slides around his waist, squeezing him close atop him. ]

[ if lilia thinks he'll be patient enough to follow every breadcrumb, take the paths that he wants him to take, then... he's not sure if he'd be able to last that long. he also knows he can't draw the truth from him forcefully, nor is he sure that he'll be able to keep his feet moving forward in that direction when he has so much to take care of. a kingdom to lead, people to care for, and so many things to properly see into the future.

leona huffs, lower lip rising in a soft pout, nostrils flaring with a puff of exhaled air. ]

I've had plenty of guidance on how I should act or talk or whatever. Dunno if it's really worth anythin' as long as I get who or what I want.

[ he's a prince, but he's still the second prince. nothing more and nothing less. appearances mean little when he's paid little attention in kind. that he's just a belligerent and dangerous beastman with royal blood in the eyes of some. carrying himself with anything at least par with his station doesn't matter. very little does in some cases.

but now he has to think of a reward that he can give lilia and he smirks, licking his lips. ]

And what kinda reward do you think you deserve? What can I give to you that'll give me permission to say what I want, when I want?

[ Lilia isn't so far removed from reality that he believes it's right to string someone along, either; when the time is right, Leona will know what he needs to know. That may be more than those closest to him, for reasons that would make themselves apparent. Such as... Leona was outside of the circle of people who would be hurt by some of the knowledge in Lilia's head. Knowledge he's kept to himself, he's locked away.

Maybe, after a while, Leona could help keep that lock and key protected alongside him.

-- Wishful thinking. That's all that is. ]

Mm. [ Lilia hums briefly, his brows knitting together. He doesn't agree with the idea at face value, that his manners don't matter, but he understands Leona's situation. He is not the one people will be looking at. Really, in a way, he understands completely and can empathize... in a less literal sense.

Yet another thing he'd hide, until the time is right. If it ever was.

Instead, he focuses on the conversation at hand, tilting his chin to allow him to push their foreheads together. This motion may come off as feline-esque affection, the way cats press their heads to each other.... yet it's distinctly different, with the slight push and the tilt in of Lilia's chin. An affection that's perhaps new and unusual to Leona. ]

The answer to both of those questions is not the same. The first-- I deserve a kiss. The second... Hm.

[ His hand falls away from Leona's cheek to instead meet his other, arm wrapping around him. ]

Stay the night with me. Or allow me to stay the night with you.

[ leona also doesn't believe in delaying the inevitable. this is why any advances made by some suitor looking for a free royal ride received a cold and shocking truth: leona kingscholar hates being used. who does? definitely not him. so as he tries to read lilia's mind by continuing to nuzzle, practically scenting him with firm and even bumps...

yeah. that angle is new. it's not shocking but it's still surprising? it's enough to make him also hum, though for a different reason all together. what is lilia trying to achieve? maybe he'd discipline leona for being so unruly. a real beast, man. if anyone could tame him it could certainly be him!

and then he receives that response and leona huffs dryly. ]

Well, of course you deserve a kiss. But I think we can combine the two into one thing.

[ it's efficiency at its finest. they're already on his home turf. why not give lilia the grand tour? with the fae's arm already sort of in place, it shouldn't be difficult for him to slowly stand up and bring lilia up with him. one arm and forearm hooks below and under his butt. it's like a half cradle? he's not going to walk into the common area holding lilia like a baby. ]

That okay with you?

[ he's not giving him a choice as he begins the walk back. ]

[ Hm. Being used was, indeed, not something enjoyable. Lilia himself wasn't that against it, though. Didn't hate the idea of being used, as that's really what he was familiar with. What was the point of being anything but used for what you're useful for? All deals are either fair or unfair, within the realm of reasoning. Promises were the same. Was this one between them fair? To keep them both on equal footing, to keep one from using the other?

What did it mean-? For them?

Oh-! Lilia's being lifted up before he can even think. He shifts his body to be better positioned, bringing one arm up and over one of Leona's shoulders to help him stay in place better. This hold was comfortable, this half cradle against his body. Lilia could almost get comfortable here and fall asleep if he wasn't careful. ]

Mm, it does sound agreeable, yes.

[ Squish-- Lilia's squishing his cheek against Leona's shoulder, getting comfortable in his hold. He isn't used to this. To being the one being carried, held as if he was some sort of precious cargo. Nudging his cheek better against Leona, he then idly lifts his hand up, twirling a strand of Leona's hair around and between his fingers. ]

Aren't you worried someone might see us like this?

[ Who would be awake at this hour dude. ]

[ good. he wouldn't take no for an answer at this point. it's not just about wanting to spend time with lilia. it's not just about wanting to have a physical connection with lilia. it's... deeper than all of that. when a promise is made, it has to be kept. resolute words that make actions absolute. so knowing that lilia would be here is incredibly important to him. even if it's all coincidence that he happened to travel into the savanaclaw dormitory proper, he knows it's fate. or something close to it. luck is fate, too.

but as it stands (or walks) he's carrying lilia into his territory. that as they go into the courtyard, into the common areas, leona doesn't heed any warnings. he hears what lilia's saying and all he does is snort. he shakes his head. ]

And what? What're they gonna do? If any of 'em have a lick of common sense in their heads, they won't say a word. 'cause if I find out who it was, I'd bury 'em out back.

[ he's the leader. they listen to him or else. if he says they have to shut their mouths, he'll do it for them if he has to. simple as that.

and then he laughs. ]

Or maybe I'd want 'em to talk. Might give them a reason to think, somethin' they don't do very often.

[ he moves down the hall towards the end, where the housewarden's room is. it doesn't take much effort on his part to get the door open and then kick it shut behind himself. the room is in its naturally unorganized state: clothes in piles, books and papers haphazardly strewn about. the only thing that looks neat and clean is his bed, which is made. but one thing is clear and it's that his room is definitely big. ]

Alright. We're here.

[ and with that? he goes right in for a kiss, something quick. barely a peck. ]

[ Promises were very important. Not just in the concept as a whole, but in the way of deals and contracts. You do not make a promise you cannot keep, nor do you be someone who could not be trusted in the future to make promises. Lilia was not the type, as much as he was flighty and foolish in his own right.

There were times when one was meant to be serious, to make good on their words. This was one of those times.

The response to his little warnings makes the small fae laugh, moving to bury his face against Leona's shoulder, getting cozy then and there. If Leona isn't worried, carrying not just someone from the rival dorm but that dorm's Vice Housewarden, then Lilia wasn't going to worry at all. What would the point be?

The only thing Lilia is going to worry about is how small that kiss is once he gets it. ]

That's not nearly enough and you know it.

[ Lilia pouts, a bratty creature who tends to get his way when he doesn't need to be taken seriously. Leaning up further, bringing one arm properly around Leona's neck to tangle his fingers in his hair and tug him down, Lilia goes in for a better kiss. A longer one, deeper, caring; unlike what his lax attitude may suggest, this kiss says everything he wouldn't say in so many words. He'd missed Leona, wanted to be around him.

Maybe that's the real reason he'd come out to Savanaclaw instead of wandering the campus to look at the stars, even if he would never claim that as the reasoning. ]

That's more like it, see? [ He murmurs as he breaks the kiss, slowly petting Leona's hair. ] We deserve to share as many kisses like that as I want. As we want.

[ He's demanding, isn't he? Even more than that, he's nudging his forehead against Leona's cheek, leaning in enough to press a careful kiss against his jaw. ]

Did you miss me?

[ And, despite refusing to say it himself, he'd ask. Play to his own ego. ]

[ he likes... no, he loves the sound of lilia's giggling. his chuckles, those little titters of laughter. he can't imagine a time when he wouldn't want to hear them. he doesn't want to think about that possibility. sure, there are plenty of annoying juniors around that'll get on his nerves. even his peers do that but in a different way. but lilia? okay. sure. maybe once in a while. things have changed. ]

Yeah I know. What, you think I'm gonna deny myself the same thing?

[ it's the taste of lilia's lips and the... it's hard for him to describe. it's everything. like he can tell exactly what he's trying to tell him without words? it's the curl of the smile, the way he strokes through his hair while they hold each other. that leona can barely get himself over to the bed where he can finally take a seat, let lilia slip out of his arms so he can straddle his lap instead. he's far too focused on trying to read what's been said. what he's being told. and the yearning that he'd been keeping quiet can be let back up to the surface. ]

Lettin' you have anythin you want sounds pretty dangerous. Good thing I'm strong enough to handle you, right?

[ even if it's shared. he wouldn't want it any other way.

he takes a second to think even though he already has an answer in mind? wouldn't lilia already be able to tell? the beastman hums, tilting his head up, exposing his throat. his neck. places where lilia could bite and he would simply let him. a sign of respect? a sign of submission??? ]

I did. A lot.

[ and he's not sorry for admitting it. ]

[ Funny how things can change so drastically, isn't it? How one minute you can see someone as one of the most frustrating and annoying guys on campus - only for the next moment with that same guy to completely change your perspective of him. Before, Lilia saw Leona partially as a spoiled brat who didn't know when to give up. When to treat others with kindness, and as someone who would use others for his own gain.

That was accurate to an extent, before, as a surface reading of Leona. Now, Lilia was beginning to see further past the surface, to learn more; to become intrigued in the man in front of him.

Sliding into Leona's lap properly once Leona's sat down, he allows both of his knees to position themselves on either side of Leona, his hips pressed up against the other man's. Not immediately in a sexual sense, even. More to be close, to allow that affection to pass between them wordlessly. ]

Might be dangerous... but you're right. You can handle it. For the most part.

[ Another soft giggle can be heard, this one pressed against his skin in the form of several more small kisses. The tilt of his head allows Lilia more room against him, more room to press kisses and slowly nibble against his skin. He's going to take the opportunity, going to press his lips down against Leona's neck, trailing sweet kisses against his throat.

Unlike the last time, he doesn't rush into wholeheartedly sinking his fangs in. He instead takes his time, his kisses gentle with a rough edge as he gnaws on Leona in a similar fashion to how Leona had done to him. Careful yet precise little nips and nibbles, affectionate more than a strong and impactful need. ]

Good, [ He finally pauses there, pulling back enough to allow him to look up at Leona, to meet his eyes. ] I'd be disappointed if you hadn't.

[ That's his own way of admitting it without actually admitting it. Both hands come up to cup his face, squishing his cheeks in a way that he's not sure even he can get away with. Squiiiish! ]

Could have simply invited me. Or were you too prideful to do so yourself? Time is a different concept for us both, you know. For you, a few days can feel like a lifetime. For me, they go by in a blink of an eye.

[ his ears twitch as lilia presses his lips against his skin. that he leaves a line of kisses down and past his pulse point, intermixed with the grazing of teeth against his flesh? it sends shivers up and down his spine. he is completely transfixed on the fae and how he shows his affection. that as cryptic as he can be with his words, it's what else he does that makes him crave every little thing he does. leona would call him unfair. a chess piece that doesn't exist on the board, one that breaks the rules and the logic behind him.

so yes, he can handle it. he wants to. it's a challenge to deal with a flighty yet demanding guy like lilia. but he'll relish it. he'll enjoy every step he takes with him. ]

I laugh in the face of danger. [ and he chuckles, hands going to lilia's waist where he gives him a squeeze. he'd love to squeeze him other places. it's not the time. it might become that time but for now, he's simply happy to indulge in doting on one another. it's more peaceful that way. ] Especially when the danger is as cute as you are.

[ he quickly bleps. in and out and he smiles a little before his cheeks get assaulted!!! what the heck... ]

A few days feel like a few days. [ another snort while he hums. ] Time is precious regardless, don't you agree? And I was going to invite you. But maybe I wanted you to reach out first, just to see...

[ This is what Lilia wanted. To have Leona's every ounce of focus, to be such an alluring person that the beastman couldn't take his eyes off of him, couldn't keep from thinking about him at every moment of every day. It's who Lilia wanted to be, who he prided himself on being - someone who was so mysterious yet so obvious in his movements, his actions.

Really, if people believed the words he spoke, he wouldn't be all that mysterious in the first place.

The hands against his waist were comfortable, grounding in a way that Lilia found he needed. Especially after their brief delve into the depths of his memories, for the little explanation about what the stars meant to him. Being called cute was the cherry on top, leaving him with a gentle smile on his face.

His hands stay put there against Leona's cheeks, his head tilting to one side in a way that showcases a curiosity. ]

Time can be precious, yes... [ ... Especially in his case... ] Anywho, you should have invited me. Don't you know that it's difficult for us fae to go where we aren't invited? We have many rules about this very thing. We may not be in Briar Valley, my dear, but I am quite used to the customs I was raised on. Have your cross cultural teachings not been sufficient? Have you had any?

[ Another small squish. ]

Hm. Perhaps it is better if you do not know anything. Then I can teach you everything...

[ Bringing his thumb up to Leona's bottom lip, he traces the shape of it, pressing the pad of his thumb against the middle of it after. ]

All there is to know about me. What has made me the me that sits here with you now. The customs of my kind, our history. Mm, but that begs the question: how would you know if anything I say is the truth? Another deal, maybe?

[ if leona believed every word that came out of lilia's mouth, then he would've already been compromised. he needs a little backbone, doesn't he? he needs to be able to stand up to whatever or whoever may challenge him, even if it's an impish little fae who fits very well in his lap. who can snuggle up to him, press those teeth against his shoulders or teeth or wherever he wants. though by now, even leona can recognize that he's... in danger. in trouble. peril. allowing lilia to get this close. fucking was only one part of the equation. now the calculations get more and more complex. ]

Must've slept through those sessions. [ or didn't pay attention. he only needed to know one thing: that malleus was a pain in the ass, elusive, hard to get near, and the beastman didn't like him. that meant those around him were unfairly lumped into his judgement. with that thumb on his lip, it's easy for him to give it a quick lick. the tip of that blepping tongue from earlier giving it a few playful taps as he continues to think and then speak. ]

I figure... if you didn't want to tell me the truth, you wouldn't have come here in the first place, despite how difficult it may be for you. Maybe the night told you to be here. Maybe the stars brought you here. Either way, you're with me and you chose to follow somethin' because of it.

[ his brows furrow. or maybe leona might've wished that lilia would've forced the issue. made him confront his lack of initiative. ]

Could make a deal. But what if I just said you could come any time you wanted? That you didn't need my permission to come to my room. To wherever I might be at the time.

[ Knowing you're in danger and doing something about it was a whole other beast. If Leona stayed here, stayed put with Lilia in his lap and did nothing about the danger that keeps squirming closer and closer, then he would be doomed from the start. Would he see it in time? Would he do something about it, or see how far Lilia will take this himself?

Lilia keeps his expression neutral, his gaze even. That reply doesn't phase him. He does seem to be so focused on something else, his own mind working at picking apart calculations, pieces of this that Leona couldn't even see yet. Tilting his head to the other side, his eyes focus on each minute detail of Leona's face. His thumb drags along the tip of his tongue at one of those pokes, before pulling lightly at his bottom lip as he pulls his thumb away. His index finger comes up to help him trace the shape of his face. ]

I hardly need your permission, as long as you aren't specifically here... but a blanket permission to come to your room whenever I like? My, how could I pass that up?

[ Leaning back in, he presses his whole front against Leona, stretching up to try and aim his words for Leona's ear, to murmur them out and keep them quiet between them. ]

... What I'm trying to say is I was waiting on you. You have your whole life ahead of you. It's so very short compared to mine, you know. It has to be your decision, all of it. I won't have it any other way. Otherwise, whose to say I'm not taking advantage of you? Of your innocence, your naiveté?

After all, boys your age are still so very drawn in during moments of high emotion. They say things they don't mean. How was I to know... [ That he meant it.

Ah, and here it is. Lilia is pushing the issue. It took him a minute, but he got there. It was always going to end up here. ]

When I'm not in it, I figure there's nothin' really worth bein' here for.

[ there's nothing particularly special about it other than perhaps wrapping himself in the usually fresh linens that ruggie will often replace whenever leona isn't loafing in his own bed. the notes are usually written by others and the books and supplies that end up being unused go with his second year hyena as well. nothing truly has any significance unless meaning is assigned to it, and thus... he would hope lilia wasn't giving leona attention just for material possessions! that would be crazy.

and there it is. his own thoughts meandering for a moment before he's snapped right back, the touch of lilia's voice and words against one furry cupped ear that flicks against them. he swallows. right. does he think leona is a cub? maybe in his eyes, he is. that he is still so very young and inexperienced and can't see the background because the foreground is so bright. sparkly and distracting.

it seems so simple. maybe it is. maybe it's so obvious and stupidly in his face that he should've been more upfront? in matters of the heart, sometimes being too blunt can be a mistake. but for someone who has seen it all, felt it all, yet isn't sure... he needs reassurance that it is tangible. not fleeting like mortal lives could be to lilia.

... ]

I do. I do mean it. If my life is made more full by you bein' in it, then I want you in it.

[ brows furrowed, he reaches around to let his hands rest on lilia's back. on his waist, to his thighs where they stay still. not going further. ]

And if I end up bein' a fool until the very end, shame on me. Guess I'll be happy nonetheless.

[ another lean, to rest his forehead against lilia's chest. he is very real and tangible in his arms right now. ]

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a lion and his fae

they're so gay, your honor... very gay

so so gay,,,

they put out an arrest warrant because of it

they'll never take them ALIVE!!!!

GOOD... (explodes)

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