Poison

Chapter 2: This Isn't What I Wanted

"I think it's alright."

Leona looked up from his drink to see Kalim smiling at him. Ever since Kalim had taken charge of the Asim family, they have had developed a better relationship. Kalim wasn't the best student in NRC, but he was a good businessman and definitely way smarter than people gave him credit for. Leona was even complimented for befriending the Asim heir, but he didn't get it. Literally every single living creature in that school was Kalim's friend. What was there to compliment?

They would drink together every now and then, sometimes with Ruggie and Jamil by their sides and sometimes just two of them. Tonight as well, they were alone. Ruggie was busy with his finals and Jamil... well Leona hadn't bothered to ask.

"I was also scared, you know? We graduated and Jamil suddenly said he wants to go see the world by himself. Then right before going, he tells me about his feelings. It was confusing and scary and I hated that I didn't say it first. But he came back a lot brighter and warmer than before. So you know? I took my chance. No one could've said anything at that point and now we're married!" Kalim shows his ring happily as he talks. "It's okay Leona. You guys have been through a lot. Just stop stressing and... I don't know... maybe trust Ruggie a little more? We all know how mad he is that you never tell him anything."

That was true. Even Jack had scolded him about it and Leona failed to consider it every single time. "It's not that I don't trust him... I just feel safer if I do everything myself." Leona's eyes wandered around the dining hall to avoid Kalim's gaze. It was annoying. The way Kalim was happier than most people for them and, unlike someone, afford generous help if needed. Really, how did he end up in NRC?

"That's the problem! You can't keep up like this! Just talk and listen to him, he's a smart guy and all. You guys can work together! You know when I and Jamil went for our honeymoon..."

'Here we go again.' Leona thought. Kalim's endless talking about Jamil was like a time out. He would never shut up once he started unless Jamil came to pick him up or something happened. But it gave Leona time to think. 'Travelling wouldn't be so bad... Honeymoon, huh?' His mind danced around the idea of taking Ruggie somewhere that he could just rest and let Leona take care of him. Maybe somewhere he didn't know the language, then he would shut up and just rest. 'Yeah... Next month maybe...'

It had been six months since he announced it to his family and the people. (Although most people in the capital already knew.) His father didn't seem that happy at first, he murmured something about a child of a criminal before continuing to listen to Leona. But he didn't have enough reasons to deny what his sons wanted, considering he only had started behaving since the hyena had entered his life, so he recognized Ruggie as his son's mate; even though he was cold toward him.

When Leona got back, it was already 2 am. He'd hear teenagers laughing in the streets and a drunk man singing to himself as he flew above the city. But ultimately, it was a quiet night. The sky was clear and the wind felt nice on his skin. Even when he stepped inside, he found Ruggie sleeping for once. He breathed softly in his sleep and his hair was wet, he probably had fallen asleep right after taking a shower. Leona took his clothes off and laid in bed, embracing Ruggie and slowly drying his hair with magic.

"Hmm? Leona-san..? Are you back? what are you-" Leona stopped him. "Shhhh! Go back to sleep." He whispered into the hyena's ear, making him fall asleep again.

What a peaceful night.

So peaceful in fact, that no one could even imagine what came next.

**********

The unfamiliar smell woke Leona up. Unlike always, he immediately sat up straight only to find Ruggie on defense mode.

He had a dagger in one hand and his gemstone is another. He looked back at a new awake Leona and gave him a sign. 'There are more than 5' The sign was clear and didn't need any further explanation. Ruggie was always cautious of unfamiliar smells since he always had to look out for guards. Leona's mind raced around the possibilities. This certainly wasn't some sort of unharmful surprise, they were here to destroy them for whatever reason. Had his father finally gone mad? Whoever it was, they certainly had underestimated the two people who had the guts to plan on Malleus Draconia's murder.