Chapter Text
Leona had never given much thought into having an omega. They bored him. Every omega he encountered in the palace growing up was submissive, always needing someone to care for them. He had seen alphas he once held a sliver of respect for, act like savage animals if someone looked at their mate the wrong way. All of it seemed like a waste of time to Leona. He didn't need to protect some omega to feel strong. He had better things to do.
His family, however, disagreed.
During, what should have been a peaceful nap in the botanical gardens, he received a call from his mother. The woman was overjoyed to inform her son that she had found him a suitable mate. She went on and on about how excited she was for Leona to return home again, so that he could be introduced to the omega. She even threw around the idea of coming to NRC for it’s next event, just so Leona could meet this random omega sooner. Knowing his mother, she probably wanted Leona to court them properly.
Ahh crap, the festival of the Longest Night was coming up real soon wasn’t it?
If he was going to be stuck with some dumb omega, couldn’t he at least pick one himself? At least then he could try to find an independent one who didn’t require any doting. Honestly, why was he stuck dealing with this today.
He stalked through the school halls, making his way to the housewarden meeting. As if he didn’t have enough stupid crap in his life right now. It was going to be another pointless meeting, where they talked about plans for an event they’ve known about for weeks. He had half a mind to just skip it. But at this point, he was closer to the office than the mirrors, so it would be easier to just fall asleep during the meeting.
The only good thing he had going for him in the moment, was every student he crossed instantly picking up on his fowl mood. They were all quick to move out of the way, not wanting to be an outlet for Leona’s anger.
Well. Almost every student.
Ruggie was all too happy to fall in step beside Leona. Enjoying the clear path to their joined destination. Ruggie may not be his vice housewarden, but sometimes Leona brought him along to make sure he didn't sleep though anything important. If he was aware of Leona’s rotten mood, he didn’t say anything and walked with his hands folded behind his head. But to Leona, Ruggie’s casualness felt like an insult on this miserable day.
He abruptly turned to his side to stare Ruggie.
“Do you have to walk so close to me?”, Leona snapped.
Ruggie lowered his ears and let out a nervous chuckle, “Sorry, Leona. I just figured since we were heading the same way-“
“Stop doing that, you’re pissing me off.” Leona growled at Ruggie.
“Uhh, doing what?”
“Trying to make yourself look submissive, you’re not some dumb omega.”
Ruggie raised an eyebrow, “Since when do you have something against omegas?”
“Since my mom told me she found me a mate.” He grumbled, walking away. Realizing this conversation was a waste of his time.
However this news was like Christmas morning for Ruggie, who perked up and jogged after Leona.
“So what’s your new omega like? Good looking?”
“Don't know, never met them.”
“Wait, seriously? You haven’t even seen a picture?”
“Won’t matter, I’m not going to mate with someone I never met.”
“Huh, never took you as the type to mate for love, Leona.” Ruggie waggled his eye-brows.
“Just think if I have to mate, I should get to pick them.” Leona trailed off as they reached the doors to the meeting room. It was annoying to think about. He would love to tell his mother he found a mate, just to get her off his back. But he knows his mother and he knows his mother would want to meet his alleged omega.
Maybe he could pay off some omega to pretend to be his mate. But what kind of omega would want to take part in some fake, transactional relationship.
As Leona, was mentally scolding himself for the idea of paying off an omega to let him pretend to court them, his eye landed on an omega who would probably love to make a deal just like that.
Azul Ashengrotto. The two of them didn’t have the best relationship after what Leona did to his contracts. But every housewarden knew Ashengrotto had a one track mind. He internally cringed, imaging what Azul might ask for in return. But honestly, he would give a lot to not be forced into a relationship with some omega he'd never met.
He was trying to think of the best time to bring this up to Azul (he certainly wasn’t going to deal with Ashengrotto’s point card system), when a nearby scoff caught his attention.
He turned to be met with the unimpressed face of Vil Schoenheit.
“Honestly, must you make such a revolting face?” This drew the attention of the other housewardens and the vice wardens.
“Keep talking to me and it’ll get worse.”
“It wouldn’t kill you to try and be a bit amicable, we are here to collaborate you know.”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you wanna hear, Queenie.” Leona pushed his way passed Vil.
He ignored Vil’s affronted gasp and sat down next to Ruggie. He tried to look casual, but could only feel irritation at the rest of the room staring at him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Vil sit down. To anyone else, it would have appeared to be a flawless, graceful movement. But Leona had known Vil for too long. He saw the tension in his shoulders, how his jaw was slightly clenched.
So he had managed to piss Vil off that quickly? Good. Now they can be pissed together. Serves him right.
Riddle, seemly not caring about the tension that just passed, began talking about the event NRC was hosting. Some kind of ritual with a performance event, like a play? Seriously, wasn’t one event per year of this nonsense enough? Why was this something everyone needed to be here for? It’s not like his rotten mood was helping anyone here.
Maybe there was something they needed him for, he wasn’t really listening. He opted to use this time to think about how he would try to negotiate with Ashengrotto. Maybe if he could catch Azul off guard with request the cephalo-punk wouldn’t have time to create a deal that completely screwed him over.
In the middle of his musing, his instincts told him he was being watched. He risked a glance in that direction, only to make eye contact with Vil. Who then glance between him and Ashengrotto. Great, he had been caught staring. But maybe if he was going to fake a relationship, that could play into it.
Before he could spend anymore time under Vil’s scrutiny, the other housewarden’s attention was brought back to the meeting. It seemed he had the floor.
Leona had planned to just space out again, but something caught his ears as Vil yapped.
“-I would prefer if we didn’t take any shortcuts in regards to the set. For this play, the set is just as important as the actors on stage. Since Azul won’t be back in time, I think we should find someone who can adjust the budgeting properly. Our entire cast has been working hard in rehearsal, I would hate for our work to be incomplete.”
Wait, what? Azul won’t be here during the festival of the Longest Night?
Riddle, sat across the table, shook his head,” If the play calls for a proper set, I won’t disagree. However, reallocating the budget at this stage would take to long and most of it has already been distributed. We need to focus on having a final product before worrying about superfluous details.”
“With all due respect, if you knew this play, you would not be calling the set superfluous. It’s meant to grow and change with our hero.”
“I assure you, I read the script, there are certainly places where the set can simplified.”
At this moment Azul chimed in with a fake smile, “If it’s this much of a burden, I’m happy to work on the matter remotely. However, since I won’t be acting as a student, I’ll have to charge my typical consultant fee.”
Riddles eye twitched, “We don’t have the budget for a consultant fee.”
"My what a shame."
“Besides!” Kalim chimed in from where he was sitting, “You shouldn’t worry about school while you’re at a funeral.”
Funeral? Who died?
Apparently, that last thought was not a thought, as Leona found every eye in the room now locked on him. He heard Ruggie let out a shocked snicker next to him and made a mental note to deal with him later.
The tension was broken by Jade clearing his throat. “As I've already stated at the start this meeting, my grandfather has passed. So Azul, Floyd, and I shall be returning to the Coral Sea to say our farewells.”
“Right.” Leona grumbled. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Ashengrotto rub Leech’s arm, which seemed to release some tension from the eel.
Riddle was quick to try and get things back on track, “Moving along, I would like to make sure we have time to discuss catering for the event.”
“Very well, however, I would like to request the matter of the set not be laid to rest just yet.”
“…of course.”
Leona was happy to let the conversation around him fade and focus on his thoughts again. Great, just great. He actually let himself believe the plan he came up with would work out. It really was turning out to be miserable day. Well maybe the Leech twins were having a worse day. But still, he was going to be forced to court some random stranger. Ruggie was right, he never considered himself a romantic, but the thought of being stuck with some random omega made him want to gag. He wanted... Well he’s not entirely sure, but he knows he doesn’t want a stranger. Now he won’t even get the chance to try and fend them off if Azul was going to be in the Coral Sea.
Wait, if Azul was going to be gone, that might be even better. That would mean his mother couldn’t question them about their relationship. Azul would have to put in less work and he might be able to swing the deal in his favor. He probably only needed some clothing items with Azul’s scent on it. Plus, Azul was going to be gone for an actual emergency. If his mother asked anyone on the staff to verify Leona’s story, they would tell her the same story, because it was true.
Leona didn’t have much time to get wrapped up in his thoughts, however. As he noticed movement around him. He came around to see everyone standing up. He got up, resolved to speak with Azul as soon as he was alone at his dorm. But then he noticed another snag. Azul and Jade both suitcases with them. They were leaving now.
To seal the deal, Kalim cheerfully shouted to them, “Have a safe trip you two!”
Jade hummed, “Yes, we shall be careful. Now, we must be on our way before Floyd gets bored of waiting for us.”
The others in room mumbled at some goodbyes as the duo left the room. He can’t let Azul just leave before he has the chance to talk to him.
In a moment he wasn't proud of, Leona homed in on Azul’s suitcase and said something he instantly regretted.
“Hey, Ashengrotto, give me some of your clothes.”
Yeah, that sounded casual.
Okay, so maybe there was a better way he could have worded that. The only good thing he had going for him in that moment was the look on Azul’s face. Never seen that one before. His clear shock would have been almost comical, if it wasn’t for the furious growling coming from Azul’s right.
If Leona’s loud question wasn’t enough to shock everyone in the room, Jade’s reaction certainly was. It was so fast, Leona merely blinked, then Leech was in his face.
Jade’s voice was even, but there was an undeniable rage in his eyes.
“I’m sorry. Perhaps I misheard. What did you just ask him?”
Leona was about play it off as a joke, glancing around the room. Almost everyone was looking on with varying levels of horror. Leona, an alpha, had just blatantly asked for the scented items of an omega he was not courting and was not close to. For a brief moment, he locked eyes with Vil, who looked furious that Leona would ask something like that.
Before he could think of a way to play it off, he heard the unhelpful voice of Jamil. Clearly enjoying the reaction that got out of Azul.
“He wants Azul’s clothes.”
Oh Leona was going to kill him. As long as someone didn’t kill Leona first.
Jamil’s remark had caused Jade’s growling to get far worse. Leona braced himself to fight if needed. He could see Trey and Riddle getting ready to intercept this conflict. It looked like Vil and Rook might intervene as well. Great. However, before Jade could make any kind of strike against Leona, a hand on his arm stopped him.
Leona was surprised to see Azul defusing Jade. Honestly, he thought Azul would want the eel to humiliate him after embarrassing like that. He wouldn't, but he could try.
Leona was close enough to hear Ashengrotto’s uncharacteristically soft voice, “Alpha, not now.”
The switch almost gave Leona whiplash, as Jade suddenly plastered a pleasant smile onto his face.
“Hmm, it seems it would be best to discuss this matter a different day.”
Azul shot an annoyed glance at Leona, before turning away, “These suitcases don’t even have clothes in them.”
Ahh, right. They were going to be in their merforms. Knowing Azul, it was probably stuff for the lounge.
Azul led them back towards the door. But before they could leave, Jade stopped. Making direct eye contact with Leona, he suddenly heavily scented Azul.
“Jade, I said not now.” Azul was quick to rush out the door. Not willing to look at anyone as he rushed out. Jade was quick to follow the omega.
Once the doors closed behind them, all eyes slowly shifted to Leona. Leona was partially saved from some embarrassment by Kalim musing.
“Oh wow, I never realized Jade was courting Azul.”
Trey rubbed his brow, “Based on the way he reacted, I don’t think anyone was supposed to know.”
He was cut off by Rook, “Très bien! Roi de l'Effort and Monsieur Prémédité are all but a perfect match. How endlessly delightfully to see and alpha and omega so in sync, no?”
Before the conversation could get more out of hand, Riddle stomped a foot onto the ground.
“This meeting was to discuss out preparation for the festival of the Longest Night. Not to discuss our classmate’s love lives. If you wish to gossip, do so outside of these meeting halls.”
Riddle didn’t wait for a response before marching out of the room. Idia took this opportunity to rush out the door as well, clearly at his limit after that. The remaining students lingered for a moment, all seeming like they wanted to make a comment about what had just transpired before thinking better of it. Leona took this opportunity to make himself scarce.
Great, that was a nightmare. Now he still has to deal with his family, the other wardens think he’s some kind of freak, and there’s no way Azul was just going to let that slide. He took a few minutes to calm down in an offshoot of the hallway, before heading to botanical gardens.
This is probably something he should just sleep off. After all he felt too exhausted to deal with anything now. His musings were interrupted when someone began walking along side him. It wasn’t Ruggie this time, but oh seven, he wished it was. Based on the alluring spring flower scent, there was only one person it could be.
“So,” came Vil’s amused tone, “Ashengrotto is the type of omega you like?”
For a moment Leona considered jumping out the window.
“Didn’t know Leech was courting him.”
“Oh really? How blind your senses must be. I found it to be quite obvious.”
“My sense are working fine. I just don’t care about that kind of crap.”
“Hmph, Ashengrotto and Leech are hardly anything surprising. I’m more interested in what caused you to get so out of sorts.”
Leona couldn’t bring himself to look at Vil. He knows he would be met with a condescending smile. So instead he kept his eye forward. Intent on getting back to the gardens to take a nap. Classes were over for the day, so it’s not like anyone should care.
Leona’s thoughts did wonder back to Leech for a moment. Jade was normally so reserved. He couldn’t believe he had acted like that. That was why he never wanted an omega. Even if Azul didn’t react by submitting and cowering, he never wanted to be some omegas protector. Waste of energy.
“Didn’t know my moods were so important to you. Not concerned with your cardboard props anymore?”
“It’s a set. And if I have my way the missing pieces won’t be made of cardboard.”
“Go cry to Riddle about the budget not me.”
He hears Vil let out a sigh, “Actually I think it would be best if I simply handled the cost for the set on my own.”
Leona scoff, “For a play that will only be performed once then be forgotten? Real good use of your money.”
“Just because this performance holds no value in your uncultured mind, doesn’t make it meaningless to me. You would do well to remember that.”
“I’ll try, but to be honest I don’t think about you.”
Leona was used to their banter, he always got a kick out of messing around with Vil. It was almost comfortable to him at this point. In a weird way the familiarity calmed him down. He was ready for Vil to get offended or maybe insult him back. He always loved when he could get Vil to sink to his level.
“No, I suppose not. Just Ashengrotto, right?”
“I have zero interest in him.”
“Yes, because when an alpha isn’t interested in an omega, they ask them for scented items.”
Okay, Leona didn’t have to explain himself to Vil.
“Why are you even following me, Queenie? Go complain about your play to someone who cares.”
“Oh apologies, I wasn’t aware only you and Ruggie were allowed to use these halls.”
Ruggie?
Leona finally broke his stride to turn around. Sure enough Ruggie had been behind them several paces back.
Okay, he really needs a nap if he didn’t notice Ruggie following him. He may not have been close but Leona should have been able to pick up on his scent. Ruggie gave a little wave. Clearly he had been enjoying Leona’s conversation with Vil. Leona rolled his eyes, he really needed today to be over.
“-Normally I wouldn’t dignify you with a response. But I’m going to the botanical gardens. There are some flowers growing there that we’ll need for the play.”
“Not going to get someone else to do it?”
“Oh no, this is important, so I’m going to make sure it’s done right. Besides, if someone else messed up, then we would be taking more from the garden then needed.”
“Gonna be real embarrassing when you mess up.”
“I would say you’ve insulted me, but we know that was your intention.”
Leona is about to retort, when they arrive at the garden. Vil is quick to move to the flowers he needed.
“Well, it’s been absolutely lovely. But I have more important things to do.”
“You wound me.” Leona watches him go. He feels a sight pang in his chest, almost like he doesn’t want Vil to go. But that would be ridiculous.
With the conversation over, Leona makes his way to his favorite napping spot. As he’s getting settled, he notices Ruggie still lingering.
“Ehh, Ruggie, go make yourself useful and tell the dorm I’ll be getting back late tonight.”
“Oh! Sure thing, Leona.”
Ruggie looked like he had something else he wanted to say, but Ruggie couldn’t be bothered to ask. Instead of watching Ruggie go, he watched the Pomefiore housewarden delicately gather flowers. He recognized the flowers Vil was looking at, he always tried to stay away. Those flowers had a particularly overwhelming scent, it gave Leona a headache. But at least he didn't need to get close to observe.
Leona wasn’t blind, Vil was extremely good looking. He would never say that to his face though. As Leona began to drift off, he thought it would be nice if the omega his mother picked was at least as good looking as Vil. But, well, even he knew that was an almost impossible task.
______________________________________________________
The days leading up to the festival were thankfully uneventful. Leona silently thanked the Seven that the other housewardens weren’t brave enough to bring up the situation with Ashengrotto again. But he was dreading the Octavinelle housewarden’s return more than he was willing to admit.
He felt numb about the mate situation these last few days to be honest. He didn’t want to resign himself to it. But pushing back against the whims of his mother had always been difficult and he didn’t have much time to come up with a better plan. He has certainly thought of some ideas, but he didn’t think disappearing into the woods would be a good idea long term. Most his other ideas would have disowned his from his family. Actually, he wasn't willing to rule them out quite yet.
If his mother had given him more warning, he could have come up with a better plan. But the short amount of time meant it was harder to swing things in his favor.
There was one thing that was also getting on his nerves today. Ruggie had been fluttering around him constantly, but never saying what he wanted to.
The day before the festival, Leona had enough. They were finished with classes for the day. Most students had gone to the festival ground to do last minute preparations. Apparently the missing pieces for the set were so important to Vil, that he actually paid for them out of his own pocket. Now they needed extra hands to put it together. Not Leona, he was relaxing in the garden one last time before it was flooded with people visiting the campus.
He fixed Ruggie with a hard look from where he was laying on the floor, “What is it Ruggie. Out with it.”
“Well, I think I might have a solution to your little problem, with the omega. It just might not be a good idea.”
“You’ve had a solution this whole time and haven’t said anything?” He would have to see his ‘future mate’ tomorrow.
“It’s just, it’s not something I learned in school. So I’m not sure if it would work or if I could even make it right.”
“Stop dancing around it, just tell me.”
“There’s a potion that can make an alpha disgusting to an omega. It basically turns them feral."
Leona just raised an eyebrow so Ruggie continued.
“So if, you get this omega to drink this potion, they’ll never wanna be around you! They would react to you like you’re a predator not a mate. Can’t imagine your folks would try to push for a courting after that.”
“Okay,” Leona got up and began heading to the exit, “so what if we make this thing wrong?”
Ruggie was quick to fall in step behind him, “Probably just a weaker version, I assume.”
Leona rolled his eyes, “Fine, better than nothing.”
“I mean if you’re willing to risk it.”
“At this point why not, grab what we need from here, I’ll set up the lab.”
“You got it, Leona.”
_______________________________________________________
It wasn’t long until Leona and Ruggie were at the cauldron. Once they had made sure no one else was there, they quickly began brewing the ingredients together. Leona assumed everything was fine. They had no problem combining the ingredients together into a satisfying consistency. The weirdest ingredient was some of Leona’s DNA, but he decided to just spit into the brew.
As he was mixing, he noticed Ruggie glancing between an ecology book and one of their ingredients.
“What’s wrong?” Leona spat.
“Uhh, heh, I think I picked the wrong root, but looks like I can use this flower to cancel the effects?” Ruggie squinted at the book like it was in a foreign language.
Well that’s not promising.
“Don’t worry, Leona! I’ll get it from the garden real fast, I’ve seen em’ before!”
He was out the door before Leona could get another word in. Sighing, he continued to mix the brew. He idly wondered why they had made so much if only one omega would drink it. With this potency, they would be under it’s effects for a long time. He can’t risk someone else getting effected by it on accident. They would have to take the time to dispose of it properly.
Ehh, Ruggie can deal with it. Speak of, where was he? He normally doesn’t take this long.
He didn’t have to wait much longer for his answer as Ruggie walked back into the room. He may have been smiling, but this ears pressed against his head told a different story.
“So, uh, they're not there anymore.”
“They're not there anymore?”
Ruggie heard the tone of anger in Leona’s voice and put up his hands, “They were there the other day, I swear.”
“Great so we just wasted all this time for nothing.” As Leona felt the rage building inside of him, his eyes drifted to the book in Ruggie’s hand. “Is that it?”
Ruggie saw where he was looking and lifted the book. “Yeah, some flower, we just needed to toss in a few petals and we would have been done.”
Leona waved his hand, “You clean up here, I’ll get it.”
“Oh you know where to get some?”
“Yeah, gonna borrow some from someone who told me he wouldn’t take more than he needed.”
Leona quickly bottled a large amount of the potion into a vial.
“I’ll finish it off myself, make sure there’s no trace of what we were doing.”
“Of course.”
Leona walked with quick steps towards the festival grounds. He couldn’t help but be annoyed with Vil. He said he wasn’t going to take all of them. What changed?
Apparently, he and Ruggie took longer than he thought working on this potion. It was already dark out and he wasn’t seeing any other students. That works for him. He doesn’t need anyone questioning what he’s doing.
The festival ground are covered with various decorations, to be honest Leona doesn’t know much about this festival. He always skipped it in the past. But finding the stage isn’t difficult. He’s been here before after all. He knows he's in the right place because all he can smell are the flowers Vil was picking. It was so overwhelming, Leona didn't understand how it wouldn't be a distraction. There was also now a big bulky curtain blocking the view to the stage as well.
Great, he was going to have to enter a blocked off area. But no one was here, so who cares. He boldly pushed his way though the curtain without a second thought. He only regretted his choice when he felt himself bump into something solid.
A few things happened very quickly. Leona heard something hit the ground followed by the sound of glass breaking and an affronted gawk.
Ahh, he’d know that gawk anywhere.
“Leona?! Look what you’ve done! You’ve completely ruined my uniform.” Vil held out his arms to exaggerate his point.
Leona almost laughed, but then the cold realization washed over him.
Vil was an Omega.
He never really thought about it, cause to him, Vil didn’t act like other omegas. He was beautiful, sure. But he was also headstrong, determined, and could easily hold his own in a fight-
“Crap.” Leona quickly grabbed his scarf out of his pocket and tried to wipe away any parts of the potion making contact with contact with Vil’s skin.
“What in the world? Stop grabbing me, Leona!”
“Stop being difficult.”
“Being difficult? You’re one who came on stage uninvited and covered me in this gunk!”
Leona tried his best to wrangle him and wipe off the potion, but Vil was stronger than he gave him credit for. He was so focused trying to hold Vil down and remove the potion, that he didn’t notice when the struggling stopped.
What brought Leona back to his senses was the sound of purring. Then he suddenly felt absurdly soft hair rubbing against his neck. The distinct scent of spring flowers suddenly surrounded him.
Leona went stiff.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
This was not happening.
This isn't even what the potion was supposed to do.
In a panic, he grabbed Vil’s shoulders and pushed him back. This caused the omega to start whining, immediately trying to push himself close again. But Leona held his shoulder firmly. Vil’s eyes were glazed over and he was making little whimpering sounds.
“Vil. Snap out of it. Come on you’re stronger than some potion.”
This, however, only led the omega trying to get close again.
“Dammit, Vil. Hold still.”
“Yes, alpha.”
Leona froze again. Hearing that. Hearing it in Vil’s voice. From Vil… No, he did not have time to unpack that. He shot up, but Vil remained perfectly in place. His dilated pupils merely following the alpha.
“Just, just, stay there for a minute.”
“Yes, alpha.”
“You need to stop that right now.”
Vil only turned his head like he was confused.
Leona quickly ran to try and find a mop. As he headed towards the backstage he saw the the set piece that Vil must have been working on. Leona didn’t know why it needed to be so fancy, but it certainly looked nice. It was a simple crescent moon prop, where an actor could sit on it and be lifted above the stage. The flowers lines the seat, almost glowing in the darkness.
Leona sighed, guess he won’t need them anymore. This week had not been kind to him. Surely this was cosmic punishment for something he did. As he entered the backstage area for the mop, he left Vil’s line of sight. Which prompted the omega to start whining again.
Leona swore under his breath, desperately hoping no one else was here. He quickly found the mop and ran back out the stage. Vil’s whining ended the second he saw Leona again. Leona also noted that Vil had not moved an inch from that spot.
He began furiously mopping the spot.
It felt so wrong, Vil should have been scolding him for being here at night and ruining his set. But instead Leona was dealing with this. He tried really hard not to think about Vil being perfectly obedient to him. Because he hates that. Right? He spent his whole life rolling his eyes at good little omegas obediently following their alpha’s orders. But now, it was Vil. That vitriol he always felt was gone. It was replaced by a strange feeling in his stomach.
He tried to push the feeling away, he really needed focus on cleaning this up. Then… Then he has to figure out what to do with Vil.
Once the spot was cleaned of the potion (he really didn’t need another omega submitting to him), he tosses the mop into the trash bin on the side of the stage where they had thrown unneeded materials.
He then looked back to Vil, who had been mindlessly tracking him around the room this whole time. Part of him hated this. Vil shouldn’t be acting like this and it was all his fault. On the other hand… no he was going to suppress that feeling.
As he walked closer, Vil started eagerly fidgeting. Okay, he should probably take Vil to a place no one can see him like this. He figured he owed Vil that much at least. Uhg, the only place he could take him that would ensure his privacy was his room in Savanaclaw.
He thought about just telling Vil to follow him, but if anyone saw them walking together and Vil was missing the next day, he would be the first one people turned to.
He decided to wrap Vil in some loose fabric, this way, it sort of looked like he was carrying laundry. Vil didn’t protest to any of the manhandling. Merely being a good omega and letting Leona move him like he was a doll.
“Don’t have any complaint about how rough I’m being with you?”
Instead of a retort that Leona had become accustomed to. Vil simply rubbed his head against Leona’s neck again. Leona sighed and picked Vil up.
He walked at a brisk pace back to his room, he didn’t want to seem suspicious if anyone saw him. But that the same time, if someone tried to talk to him, this whole thing was over.
For the first time this week, things go his way, as he’s able to get into his room without incident. He deposits Vil onto his bed, trying not to stare as Vil starts sniffing the scent of his pillows before settling down onto them.
Leona cringes when he realizes that Vil is still wearing his ruined uniform. He quickly looks into his wardrobe for anything clean, but it seems it’s been a while since he did his laundry. He settles on an old shirt he used to wear when he needed to do exercise. He’s only worn this once between washes, so it probably smells fine. He tosses it to Vil, who simply grabs it and starts sniffing it. Leona tries not to get too upset. This was kind of his fault after all…
“Get changed.”
“Yes, alpha.”
Leona turns around to respect Vil’s privacy and not because he’s blushing. He waits until he stops hearing fabric rustling. He turns to see Vil sitting on his knees, looking to Leona for another command.
The shirt is…definitely too big on him. It was already a bit big on Leona, so it isn’t doing Vil any favors. But his brain can only focus on one thing. Here’s Vil Schoenheit, sitting in his bed, wearing nothing but his underwear and Leona's shirt, waiting for Leona’s order.
Leona decides to once again, suppress this feeling. This isn’t about him anymore after all. He’s dreading having to see his family. But what he’s accidentally done to Vil is just wrong. The longer Vil is in this submissive state, the more he wants to hear another snide comment from him. He’s basically robbed Vil of his agency until the potion wears off. So, the least he can do is try not to be weird about it and make sure not to take advantage of the other housewarden.
He quickly steps into his bathroom, to wet a washcloth. He sees Vil move to follow him, so he comes back out quickly. He lifts up Vil’s face and begins removing his makeup with the washcloth. He was willing to accommodate Vil, but he didn’t need make up all over his sheets.
Once he was done, he took a moment to look at Vil’s face without make up. It felt odd, but at the same time Leona almost liked it. He's never seen Vil without his makeup, he wonders how many people have. This felt far more intimate that he was prepared for.
“Go to bed, Vil.”
Upon hearing the command, Vil began getting comfortable in the sheets, arranging the blankets around himself until he was settled.
While he was doing that, Leona grabbed a pillow and made himself comfortable on the floor. He was more than ready to fall asleep when he hear movement again. Suddenly he found Vil curling up into his side and he was awake again. He shot up and Vil tilted his head.
“Sleep on the bed, Vil.”
Vil looked between Leona and the bed. Leona hoped he would go back to the bed. But to Leona’s horror, Vil started tugging on Leona’s arm and whining. Loudly.
Crap, if anyone woke up they would come to Leona’s room to ask what was going on.
Reluctantly, Leona let Vil guild him to the bed. He tried to move to the other side, but Vil was quick to curl into his side again. Throwing a leg over Leona and tucking his head into his neck. Then, the purring began again.
Great, Leona thought to himself. He won’t be able to sleep with Vil purring right on top of him. The smell of spring flowers so close. But that was the last thought he had before he was out cold. Falling asleep faster then he ever had before.