Entwined Amore || Twisted Wonderland x Reader

The Usurper from the Wilds | 031 |

──❝The Usurper from the Wilds❞──

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〖 Botanical Garden - Temperate Zone 〗

Ruggie stepped into the botanical garden, the sun shining down and casting a warm glow over the lush greenery. The aromatic scent of Leona's perfectly deluxe grilled cheese sandwich filled the air, its cheesy goodness drifting on the gentle breeze. "Leooona! Lunch is served, my friend!" Leona, feeling the warmth of the sun against his skin, had been in a state of peaceful repose. However, upon hearing Ruggie's voice calling out to him, he groaned and cracked open one half-lidded eye, rays of sunlight reflecting off his intense gaze. "...Is it noon already?" Leona's thick, dark brown hair tousled slightly as he sat up, still groggy from his nap.

"Don't tell me you've been asleep all morning! You're going to fail more of your core classes!" Ruggie exclaimed, exasperated. Sniffing the air, Leona caught the unmistakable scent of the food he had requested, and a small grin tugged at the corners of his lips. "Smells like you actually got what I asked ya for!" Leona murmured, his voice still laced with drowsiness. Ruggie knelt down beside him, his face beaming with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. Ruggie nodded eagerly, presenting the wrapped grilled cheese to Leona with a flourish. "Barely! Must you always request the most popular item on bakery day? Anyway, here: one deluxe grilled cheese and an iced tea."

Leona reached out and grasped it with both hands, unwrapping the delicate layers of the wrapper. As he took a bite, the flavors exploded on his palate; the cheese was creamy and rich, and the bread provided a satisfying crunch. "Are ya braindead? The fact that it's hard to get is exactly what makes me want it so bad!" he exclaimed with a mouthful of the delicious sandwich. "Me, I'll eat anything, so long as it isn't moldy. But as a prince, I doubt you could relate, Your Highness." Ruggie rolled his eyes, unimpressed by Leona's theatrics. Leona paused, casting his gaze downward before continuing in a more serious tone. "Hmph. It ain't like I'm first in line for succession. I'm second, so I probably won't ever be king. I'm practically a commoner, really."

"That reminds me of the time you mistook a picture of my family's home for a doghouse." Ruggie cackled, recalling the hilarious incident. "Did I...really do that?" Leona murmured, sipping from his iced tea. "You really did. I wish my perspective was so warped from a life of luxury." With a heavenward glance, Leona sighed. "Nah, the royal life stinks, honestly. All that matters is the order of your birth. Hard work and talent basically mean nothin'." Ruggie hummed in acknowledgment. "Hmmm... I guess I could see that being a drag. Oh, by the way, there's a housewarden meeting after school today about the Spelldrive tournament. Please try to actually show up," he pleaded, giving Leona a pointed look. 

"Ugh. What a headache." Leona muttered, rubbing his temples. "As the housewarden, you get the biggest room in the dorm. You could at least make a token effort to do the corresponding job." Ruggie rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "All right already. Fine. Stop whinin'." Full and content, Leona let out a loud, satisfied yawn, his bared fangs glistening in the light. "Ahhh... Now that my belly's full, I'm ready for another snooze. Wake me after lunch break is over." He stretched his lean body and settled back down on the soft grass, his back facing Ruggie. The warmth of the sun, coupled with the decadent meal, lulled him into a state of blissful relaxation. Ruggie, now kneeling beside the contented Leona, observed him for a moment. "I'm not your alarm clock, Leona! You know I have my own—ah, he's already out," he sighed. Ruggie shook his head and chuckled softly, realizing that trying to wake Leona would be futile. "Anyway, that weasel in the cafeteria and his freshman friends... Where have I seen them before?"