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Yuno couldn’t help but feel embarrassed by the sheer ridiculousness of this situation. “Are you sure…? Isn’t this a little too much? It’s not like it’s our first date or anything…” he spoke quietly. Sure, he hasn’t seen his dear boyfriend in a month, but is one date really this big of a deal?
Mimosa shook her head and offered a reassuring smile. “I’m sure! You and Leo haven’t seen each other in a month! He’ll love flowers!”
Yuno shrugged, unsure. “I don’t know… flowers aren’t really my style…”
Mimosa quickly shushes him. “Everyone likes flowers, trust me, he’ll like them! He’ll be happy with the thought at the very least.”
Sylph roll her eyes and crossed her arms as she carefully observed the two Golden Dawn mages prepare for Yuno’s date. “I don’t see what the big deal is! Is he really so clingy that he can’t go a month without seeing Yuno? Come on, Yuno, wouldn’t you rather spend the evening with me?”
Yuno gave her a warning glare. “Bell…”
She scoffed. “What? Ever since you two got together, you never talk to me anymore.”
Mimosa chimes in politely. “With all due respect, Bell… Leo is Yuno’s boyfriend, so it’s really not that much of a surprise…”
Sylph gave Yuno a frown and pouts. “If you two never got together, maybe we’d hang out more…”
Yuno grits his teeth and snaps at her. “Bell. Don’t talk about Leo like he’s nothing. I care about him a lot and I won’t told your disrespect. Don’t come out during our date, I don’t need him hearing anything you have to say.”
She was quiet for a moment and her lip trembled. “Okay, I’m sorry…” She goes back into Yuno’s grimoire.
“Don’t you think that was a little harsh?” Mimosa asks. Yuno shrugged.
“I guess… I just don’t like hearing her talk about him like that. I don’t think she understands that this isn’t a temporary thing yet.”
Mimosa nods in understanding. “Alright… Well, you two have fun on your date!” Yuno nods and gets on his way.
Leopold waits outside the café with a nervous smile. It’s been so long… Well, not too long, but too long for Leo. He’s spent every night thinking about the next time he’d get to see Yuno and he’s finally here. He even dressed up better than usual.
“Leo.”
Leo’s head perks up and his eyes light up upon seeing his boyfriend approach him. He runs into his arms immediately.
“Yuno! I missed you so much!” Yuno was momentarily caught off guard before he smiles and gently wraps his arms around Leo.
“Hey, Leo. I missed you too…” After a minute, Leo pulls away, his gaze fixed on Yuno with a dreamy glint. Yuno brought out a bouquet of roses and presents it to Leo with a nervous blush.
Leopold gasps and he’s practically beaming. He gladly accepts the flowers. “Aw, you got me flowers? You’re so sweet! Man, now I wish I got you something too.”
Yuno puts a hand on Leo’s head. “Don’t worry about it.” He pauses for a moment and looks onto the beautiful sight that is Leo. “You look good.”
Leo’s face heats up. “Thanks. Hey, let’s go! I already know what I wanna order, but you can take as long as you’d like!” Leo grabs Yuno’s arm and drags him into the café.
They found a table by the window where they could watch people pass by as they enjoyed their time together.
Yuno glances at the menu and back at Leo. “So, what are you gonna get?”
Leo smiles. “I’m gonna get the strawberry chocolate truffles with cider.” Yuno raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“You’re not gonna eat any food?” Yuno questioned him.
“Well— I just… figured I’d just share with you. I couldn’t really pick.” He glanced out the window, if he can’t see Yuno’s unimpressed look, then that means it’s not there!
“Alright then… Still have a sweet tooth, I see. I guess I’ll order something for you too.”
Leo looked slightly offended in a playful manner. “It hasn’t been that long!”
After a few minutes of chatting, the waitress came by and took their orders.
Bell peeks out from the table and stares at Leo with contempt. ‘Ridiculous! What does this arrogant royal have that I don’t? What’s so interesting about him? He’s loud, dumb, and reckless! How could Yuno even like someone like him? It’s not fair! I barely get to spend time with him anymore… If only that bird brain was out of the picture…’
Bell looks up at Yuno with a lonely frown.
The waitress walks back to the table with a tray, however, she trips on her heel and falls forward. Luckily, Yuno noticed just in time to stop the disaster.
He caught the embarrassed waitress along with their food and drinks. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry… are you two alright?”
Leo helps her get her bearings with a kind smile. “Don’t worry about it, only a little bit spilled. See? Look, they're all fine. Thank you.”
After a few more apologies, the waitress left the couple to themselves.
“Looks like you saved the day again, Yuno.” Leo says, grabbing a fork.
Yuno was nonchalant. “It was nothing.”
“Always so modest.” Leo waits until Yuno returns his gaze to speak again. “It’s one of the reasons I love you so much.”
Yuno almost choked, but he quickly composed himself. “Mhm.”
“Aw, you’re blushing!” Leo teases with a sly smirk.
Yuno rolled his eyes. “Shut up.”
Bell, on the other hand, had an idea. ‘That woman almost ended their date in disaster! I wonder… if they won’t break up, maybe I can make them break up and Yuno will hang out with me again! It’s genius! Why didn’t I think of it sooner?’ She giggles and sneaks back into Yuno’s grimoire.
The night sky shines onto the couple as they stroll through the trees outside of town.
“It’s so pretty out here.” Leo says. Yuno nods in agreement, putting his arm around Leo. “I think there’s a lake around her somewhere. Do you wanna go see it?” Enjoying a calm moment by the lake with his boyfriend sounded perfect…
“Sure.”
The water was calm, it reflected the stars well, it looked surreal. Leo leans against Yuno.
“I’m glad we finally get to hang out again, now that the mission rush is finally calming down.” Leo gave Yuno a small smile and let out a content sigh.
“I am too. I promise we won’t go that long without seeing each other again.”
Leo’s face flushed and he put his arms around Yuno’s neck, slowly pulling him in for a kiss.
Yuno placed his hands on Leo’s waist and pulled him closer. Just as their lips almost touched, the calm water roared and flew at them in a second. It didn’t take long before Leo was soaked.
“Oh my god! What the heck?” Leo froze, water dripped off of him. He had just bought this outfit too… he hopes it’s not ruined.
“Leo! Are you alright?” Yuno’s eyes were wide, he took his jacket off and put it around Leo.
“I’m fine… That wasn’t very funny.” Leo glares at Yuno.
“What…?”
Leo sighed, disappointed. “How else could the water have done that so suddenly? Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but… It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other… I was hoping you’d be more serious.”
Yuno shook his head, slightly panicked. “Leo, I swear that was not me.”
Leo looked down. “Maybe you didn’t mean to, but I’m positive it was your mana. If you didn’t want to kiss, I wouldn’t have been mad…”
Yuno stood there, unsure of himself. Was it his mana? Could it be he was subconsciously worried about kissing Leo and he did that? He doesn’t know… “I’m sorry…”
Leo took a deep breath and gave Yuno a weak smile. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it. It’s getting late, so we should probably go home.”
“I— Okay… Let’s go.”
The walk was awkward and it quickly became eerily quiet. Bell smirked and hid behind Yuno. ‘All according to plan! Surely they’ll break up now!’
“Next time I’m gonna throw you in the water.” Leo states in a playful tone. Yuno looked over at him.
“No way.”
Leo pouts and puts a hand on his hip. “Yeah-huh! It’s only fair you get soaked too!”
“That wasn’t my fault.”
Leo rolled his eyes and scoffed. “Yeah, right!”
”Leo, I’m serious…” Yuno repeats reworded.
Leo gives Yuno and evil smirk and wipes his wet sleeve on Yuno while he’s off guard.
Yuno immediately jumped back. “What are you doing?”
Leopold couldn’t help but laugh. “You should’ve seen your face! You were so shocked and confused!” Yuno rolled his eyes, he’ll let Leo get away with it this time…
They reach the point they have to part ways and they gaze at each other longingly. “Well… bye.” Leo said.
Yuno nods. “Yeah… I’m sorry about your clothes.”
Leo shrugged. “It’s alright, I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Leo put his arms around Yuno. “See you next time, Yuno. I love you.”
Leo’s cold clothes and skin caused Yuno to flinch away slightly, causing a small laugh to leave Leo. “Yeah, I love you too.”
They wave and part ways.
Bell stares at the exchange with clenched teeth. ‘WHAT?! How do they still like each other? Hmph! I guess I’ll have to do more!’
“Leo. You’re home earlier than I expected… Why are you wet?” Fuegoleon glanced up from his book as his brother entered the door.
“Ugh… I don’t really want to talk about it, but… I fell into the lake.” Leo answered.
“Don’t lie.”
Leopold sighed and almost sat down before remembering he’s still wet. “Fine… Yuno ‘accidentally’ splashed water on me…”
Fuegoleon frowned before putting a bookmark in his book and setting it aside. “Well that was rude of him. I see he gave you his coat.”
Leo’s head perked up as he realized he indeed still had Yuno’s jacket. He took it off quickly. “Yeah… I think I’m just gonna go to my room for the rest of the night.”
“Very well. Is there something else bothering you though?”
Leopold was quiet for a moment, debating his reply. “It’s just… we were about to kiss when he splashed water on me… I’m just worried that…”
“You think he did that to not do it? It’s a possibility… It could be a misunderstanding, maybe talk about it with him next time.”
Leo nods in understanding. “Yeah, okay. I will.”
Leopold slumps over to the stairs, but upon turning the corner, Mereoleona was standing by the door.
“Why are you lurking around the darkness?” He asked.
Mereoleona’s expression was as serious as usual. “Be careful with that boy, Leo. If he’s not ready for a commitment you’ve already committed yourself to, he’ll just waste your time.”
Leopold was awkwardly quiet for a moment. “Yeah, um… I’ll keep that in mind.” He walks past her, finally getting to relax for the night.
“Leo, do you have it tied yet?” Mimosa asks. Leopold nods, tying the rope into another knot.
“You magic knights work so quickly!” The merchant says with a look of admiration.
“It’s no big deal, it’s our job after all! Now, Sir, we’ve almost made it to the village, so just sit tight!” Mimosa smiles.
Leopold was nearly done tying the goods again.
“Do you need help, Leo?” Yuno asks, looking back. Leo shook his head.
“No, don’t worry! Once I’m done, these aren’t going anywhere.” Leo offered a confident grin.
“Are you sure?”
Leo groans and nods. “Yes, I know how to tie a knot, I assure you.”
After another minute, Leo stepped back and gave Yuno a thumbs up.
Yuno turns towards the merchant and signals him to continue onward as they escort him.
“We’re almost there, sir.” Yuno told him
The merchant smiles. “Oh, good. I can’t wait. Selling these is sure to get a load off my back.”
“I think it’s sweet you’re selling blankets and clothes to poor villages.” Mimosa praises, walking in the front. The merchant chuckled and scratched his neck.
“Well, what can I say? It’ll help people through winter, plus it's sure to get me more money to support my family as well.”
“Of course, family is important!” She said,
“Ugh! Why are these ropes so tight together?!” Bell groans in annoyance. She covers her mouth quickly and glances at the three mages. “Good, they didn’t hear me.”
‘If Yuno sees how bad Leo is at his job, he’ll definitely want to leave him!’ Bell pulls at the rope, but stumbles back. ‘No fair! Why is it tied to well?! Guess I have no choice then!’ Bell looked around, making sure no one saw her once again.
And she uses wind to slash the rope just enough untie it without making it obvious it was cut. “There we go. I’ll just take this piece of rope and throw it away! Okay… now I gotta get out of here.”
The rope came loose… and then, stuff started to fall out quickly due to the uphill slope.
“Aw, your daughter is getting married? That’s so sweet!” Mimosa does a silent clap.
“Uh, guys…?!” Leo spoke in a panicked tone.
Yuno and Mimosa both looked back to see all sorts of clothes falling from the wagon. As the wind begins to pick up, some of the smaller items start to fly away.
“Oh no! Yuno, get them!” Mimosa ran over to the heavier pile and started to help pick those up.
Yuno flew after them quickly.
Leo’s face heats up with utter embarrassment as he investigates the ropes. “God, I’m so sorry… I was positive I tied it perfectly! I swear, we’ll help you clean these up…”
The merchant sighed and shook his head. “Don’t worry about it… Just get me to the village and I’ll take care of it.”
Yuno soon came back with the rest. “Here.”
Leo took them, staring at the ground.
“I asked if you needed help tying it.” Yuno stated, annoyed.
Leo tries to defend himself. “I swear I thought I tied it well!”
Yuno shook his head. “Well, you didn’t. I guess I’m not surprised.”
Leo’s face turned from embarrassment to irritation. “Not surprised? What do you mean by that? Do you think I’m incompetent or something?”
Yuno sighed. “No, I didn’t say that at all. Don’t try to twist my words.”
Leo rolled his eyes and his grip on the fabrics tightened. “Are you sure? Because it sure sounds like it! Why are you acting like this? First you splash a bunch of water on me and now you’re saying this! What’s your problem?”
“I already told you it wasn’t my fault.”
“Yeah, sure! Whatever! Just…! Get off my back…” Leo almost shouts.
Mimosa stepped between them with furrowed eyebrows. “That’s enough, stop fighting!”
The two boys quieted down and stared at one another. “She’s right… I’m sorry, I guess I just overreacted.”
Yuno shook his head and took a step closer to Leo, “No, I’m sorry. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, I guess missions have just made me more irritable. I didn’t mean what I said.”
Leo feels his body relax and he pats Yuno on the shoulder. “It’s fine, I understand. Do you wanna help me tie it up again?”
“Sure.”
Bell watched from her hiding spot with utter shock. ‘What?! They made up already? How is that even possible? Fine then! I’ll just have to try harder then!’
Leopold was never the biggest fan of these magic knight celebratory events, but there’s nice food and friends so he doesn’t complain. Entering with his siblings, he immediately scans the room and spots Yuno sipping on some sort of red drink talking to Asta.
He strides over and greets Yuno. “Yuno!”
Yuno turns to Leo and smiles softly. “Hey, Leo.”
Leo tilts his head with a puzzled expression. “You don’t seem very happy.” Leopold couldn’t help but feel more nervous every time he saw Yuno. It’s like he’s watching their relationship crumble in slow motion. His biggest fear is the possibility of Yuno not loving him anymore. Watching the signs slowly become more clear makes him anxious.
“I’m just tired.” Yuno replies. Asta looks between the two of them with a raised brow.
“Is there something going on between the two of you?” He asks.
Yuno and Leo both shout at Asta simultaneously, “No!”
“Um, okay… sorry?”
Yuno turned away from Asta to Leo, his expression serious. “Leo, why is your sister staring at me like that?”
Leo followed Yuno’s glare where Mereoleona was staring daggers at Yuno. It sent a shiver down his spine.
“Well… I told her about our date and that mission we went on. Actually, I was telling Fuegoleon and she decided to eavesdrop both times.” Leo explained, grabbing a paper plate for some small desserts.
“You told them about that?” Yuno questioned him. Leo nodded, confused.
“Why? Was I not supposed to?”
Yuno rubbed his eyes and took a drink. “I guess not… I was just hoping you kept out private matters between us.” He set his drink down on the table.
Leo felt some fear surge through him. He should’ve known that! It’s so disrespectful to talk about their relationship like that without Yuno’s consent! How could he be so stupid? “I’m sorry, I didn’t know…! I just… I’m used to talking to my brother about these things.”
Yuno and Leo continue their conversation with awkward tension. Bell snuck out from behind the food, towards Yuno’s drink.
‘Hm… I know!’ Bell grabbed a nearby candle, blowing out the flame. ‘You better be grateful for this Yuno! I’m getting my hands dirty for you!’ And with that, she smears the melted candle wax onto Yuno’s glass. ‘That’s hot! Jeez…’ she thinks as she retreats back behind the desserts.
“Yeah, I know. I think we should talk later though.” Yuno said, grabbing his drink. However, he almost immediately noticed the odd texture or the glass. “Huh?”
All it took was one little squeeze when the glass slipped forward, out of his hands. The cold, sticky sensation caused Leo to gasp. After the glass spills onto Leo, it falls to the floor. The room falls silent, all eyes on them.
Leo looks as if he’s about to cry. “Is this some kind of joke to you? Did you say yes just to screw with me?” He whispered so only Yuno could hear his weak voice.
“What…? No, Leo, it was a mistake…” Yuno stuttered out. “I’m so sorry.” Yuno frantically grabbed some napkins.
“Don’t bother! The stain isn’t gonna come out. I’m starting to think this relationship was a mistake…” Leo says. He turns and rushed out of the room.
Yuno was frozen in place. He was frozen until Asta nudged his shoulder. “What are you standing around for? Go after him!”
Bell followed closely behind Yuno, too proud of herself. ‘Yes, finally! It worked!’
Yuno chased after Leo. “Leo, wait!”
Leopold stopped and gritted his teeth. “What do you want now?!”
“Leo, are you serious about what you said?” Yuno asks with a shaky tone.
Leo looked away and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know! I feel like I’m just a joke to you at this point.”
“Leo, you’re not a joke to me…”
Leo took a step away from Yuno and took a breath. “Please, just don’t. You’re so cold and uncaring! You can’t even take out relationship seriously and the first thing you do when something bad happens is blame me! I… I just…”
Yuno was quiet, his worried expression becoming indecipherable. “Is that how you think of me?”
Leo struggled to get a word out. “It just… feels like the world is doing everything to tear us apart.”
Yuno faces away from Leo. “Then maybe we weren’t meant to be.”
Leo’s eyes widened and he felt his body tremble. He snaps his head back to Yuno who was walking away. “Wait, Yuno!”
Yuno didn’t stop.
Tears escaped Leo’s eyes. He ran after Yuno and held onto him. “Please don’t go! I don’t want to break up! Please, I didn’t mean it! I’m sorry! You’re not cold! You’re…! You’re sweet and caring… I love you…”
Yuno listened carefully. He was hurt by Leo’s words… yet his words were also the thing to fix it. Leo always finds a way to make Yuno happy. Despite what he wants to say for the sake of his pride… It’s always gonna be Leo, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love you too.”
Leo looks up at Yuno. “You swear?”
Yuno nods and kisses the top of Leo’s head. “I do… I didn’t mean what I said either.” Yuno lifts Leo’s chin and pulls him into a long kiss. It’s been too long since they’ve kissed… Their lips were soft, the tension slowly relaxed as their kiss carried on.
“Are you serious?!” A loud, obnoxious voice yells.
Yuno and Leo both pull away in confusion. “Bell? What are you doing…?”
“Yeah, this is kind of a private moment.” Leo practically spat at her.
Bell looked as if she wanted to scream. “How do you two keep making up!? You’re supposed to get mad at each other!”
Yuno raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about…? Wait…”
Bell watched the realization spread across Yuno’s face and she felt her heart beat faster.
“You’re the one that’s been sabotaging us.”
Leo’s eyebrows raised. “What? Bell? You mean she’s the one that splashed me? And untied the goods on our mission?”
Yuno nods, his anger visibly showing, directed right at Sylph.
“Yeah. When I was helping you tie the rope, I noticed one part seemed newer… or rather the old part had been cut off… and that glass had a weird texture… Bell… What did you do?”
Bell started to whine. “You never spend time with me anymore! I just thought that if he was out of the picture it would go back to how it was before!”
“That is no excuse.” Yuno almost shouts. She was lucky Leo still had his arms wrapped around Leo.
“What do you even see in him? He’s loud, dumb, and annoying!” She defends herself to the best of her ability.
“It sounds like you’re talking about yourself.” Leo mumbled.
Yuno had to stop himself from snapping. He took a few deep breaths. Each furious breath made Sylph more nervous.
“You’re right. Leo is loud sometimes. And sometimes he can act dumb. He’s reckless too. But I still love him all the same. I know what kind of person Leo is. He’s kind, funny, and brave. And you have no right to interfere with this.” Yuno spoke with determined conviction. Leo’s eyes sparkled as he had a beaming smile from Yuno’s words. There were nearly hearts in his eyes. All the damage Bell could’ve possibly caused was replaced by desire and appreciation.
“But…” Bell trailed off… she was nearly out of things to say for justification.
“Bell. You have to understand, this isn’t just some temporary thing. Leo and I are in a serious relationship. We’re gonna hang out and it’s just something you’ll have to get used to. Yes, it means we’ll hang out less, but that’s not the same as ‘not at all’.” Yuno’s voice was calm.
She felt guilt grow inside her, despite her wanting to not have it. “You really do?”
“I do.”
Bell sighs and looks utterly defeated. Leo decides to speak up.
“Hey, I get it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out with Yuno? I know I’d be sad if he hung out with someone else. But trust that we really do love each other. Maybe you can join us sometimes when we hang out?” Leo shows a smile, despite the uncomfortable sticky-ness on his shirt.
“Really? Even after what I did? I get to hang out with you too?”
Leo quickly corrects himself. “Well, sometimes! I mean… you can’t join us on dates or private moments or… You can hang out with us sometimes, just don’t expect it too much…”
Bell nods. “Okay! Sometimes. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t really accept your apology, but I’m sure I’ll get over it.”
Bell felt a lot more relaxed after this whole ordeal. “Well, I’m glad that’s behind us!”
Yuno tilts his head. “You think you can get out of this without consequences?”
Bell felt shivers strike her spine. “Haha… what consequences…?”
Yuno gave her an evil glare and spoke with a low voice. “I’ll deal with you later. Get back into the grimoire.”
Bell agrees with her shoulders slumped, a shameful frown. After she was gone, Yuno and Leo were finally left alone.
“She’s annoying.” Leo says.
“I know, I’m sorry. She should know better.” Yuno closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. “Are you okay?”
Leo nods, his mood refreshed. “Yeah! I actually feel a lot better knowing it was her and not you… I was worried you were getting sick of me…”
Yuno put a hand on Leo’s cheek. “I could never get bored of you, Leo. I know I don’t come across as very loving, but I do love you.”
“I know. And I’m glad.” Leo stood up to his tippy toes and kissed Yuno again. Yuno pulls Leo closer, trying not to smile into their kiss.
“Let’s leave this party and get you cleaned up.” Yuno connects their hands. Leo follows him closely.
“Okay! It’s just a shame we have to miss out on those desserts.”
Yuno’s lips curve upwards. “Then how about we go to the café afterwards?”
Leo’s eyes lit up, it was quite cute, really. “Mhm! That sounds fun! Come on, come on!”
“Why are we in such a rush?” Yuno’s grip tightens as Leo drags him.
“Because I’m excited!” Leo couldn’t help but feel so bubbly.
Only someone as carefree as Leo could drag Yuno around like this. ‘You’re my biggest weakness, Leo… You’re lucky I love you so much.’
. . .
After spending a few talkative hours in their favorite café, eating all the unhealthy foods they wanted, they left together. They walked their usual route until they finally reached the lake.
”Finally!” Leo smirks. Yuno gave him a questioning look.
”What’s with that look?”
Leo puts his hands behind him. “Oh, nothing~! Aren’t the stars beautiful? It’s darker than it was last time we were here. Also no annoying fairies.”
Yuno blinked and gazed at the stars. Leo’s right… It was beautiful. Almost as gorgeous as Leo. But not quite. Yuno felt relaxed when Leo leaned into him more. That is… until he felt himself being pushed and falling into the water.
There was a loud splash, Yuno rose up to Leo laughing hysterically. Yuno charged forward and pulled Leo into the water with him, causing a quick yelp.
Leo wipes the hair out of his face, looking at Yuno with a grin, yet there was also a sense of longing.
”Looks like you got me back, huh?”
Before Yuno could deliver his snarky reply, Leo gave Yuno another kiss. Yuno lets them melt into each other as he gripped Leo’s hips, pulling them closer. Deepening the kiss. When they pulled away, Leo was out of breath.
With a small giggle, Leo spoke in a soft voice. “I love you.”
Yuno put his hand on Leo’s head with a sigh. “I love you too, you moron.”