fic: Warm Up
Jul. 10th, 2021 12:10 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bonnefoisTitle: Warm Up
Series: Fire Emblem Heroes, Fire Emblem Echoes
Character/pairing: Kamui/Leon, Alm/Celica in the background
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Leon visits the beaches in Askr, along with some friends. Leon enjoys the sights (see: handsome men) but is left alone until sunset comes and Kamui returns from his job.
Word count: 3,110
Author's note:
I blame this big dad energy Alm art for that het subplot inspiration and extra swimsuits.
The rest was just the eternal KamuiLeon thirst. And the fact that I'm so tired all I can manage are FEH banner fic I guess.
The title also references the fact that it was literally a warm up for me.
"Ahh, Mila has truly blessed us..."
The beach had beautiful clean white sands, sparkling waters, and most of all, many handsome men, all stripped down to shirtless on the beach and soaking in the sunshine.
Now, Leon's skin was much too delicate to take such heat. He had on a pair of sunglasses, a large sun hat and a filmy robe over his pale lavender shorts that came to his upper thigh, and had a lighter stripe down the side. Did it matter that he looked a bit like a twice divorced sassy heiress who might have offed the last husband? No, that only made it better.
And it wasn't just the heroes from other lands, either.
Kamui had the audacity to look pretty damn good. His body was lean yet muscular, and covered with scars. He had olive green shorts, and a sword slung over his (surprisingly nice) shoulders.
Not that Leon would say that. Kamui would take it the wrong way. Besides, he didn't deserve to be complimented when he'd just stammer out a but I'm not gay! when Leon did something as innocuous as ask him what he wanted for dinner.
(As if Leon had offered himself on the menu.)
Honestly, that seemed how every conversation with them went. Leon was pretty tired of getting 'no homoed' when Kamui asked him directions to the mess hall, as if those things were remotely connected.
And Valbar? Heaven itself, that man was so strong. He had far less scars than Kamui, was slightly pudgy at his stomach, but he had big biceps, big thighs, and the biggest heart known to man.
Valbar caught all the eye of several of the shopkeeper girls, who sold treats on the beach. And Valbar, with his utter heart of gold couldn't even tell when they were flirting with him. He was just so helpful, he kept doing whatever they asked and helping out.
Of course, Leon knew it was just a ploy to keep him around. But pure hearted Valbar could never see the wiles in anyone.
Mila really did put too many blessings in one man when it came to Valbar. A shame she forgot to leave in the part where he could be attracted to men.
Kamui shaded his eyes with his calloused hand.
"There's a kiosk up there selling food. Pretty good gig up there. It looks like they're making plenty of money," Kamui said.
Leon tilted his head. "Oho, are you going to be a shopkeeper too?"
"That's right. You talked about wanting to open a shop one day," Kamui said.
"I had plans, yes. Though I'd have to fight with the Annas for space here, and they're quite ruthless in search of a deal. Among other things. Prices aren't the only thing they slash," Leon said.
Kamui and Valbar weren't the only ones from their lands who had come to the beaches.
King Alm exuded extreme dad energy. He wore some kind of green short-sleeved shirt, slightly open, and cargo pants, and a pair of shades. Then, for some unfathomable reason, he wore socks in his open sandals.
Leon needed to have a talk with him. And perhaps design him some decent boots. Had Anna sold him those as a prank?! Leon was offended on his behalf.
Queen Celica held up a large beach towel, which was the same red-gold of her hair. Her two piece was a coppery color that shone in the sun. Red flowers were braided into her long hair.
Alm couldn't stop staring at her, but in a way almost reverent and respectful, like one would look at a goddess.
Alm ran his hand through his hair. "I forgot for a moment."
Celica smiled. "What did you forgot?"
"I actually just remembered we're married and got happy again."
She laughed. "How could you forget that?"
"I guess you look so good that I wanted to propose all over again."
She came close and embraced him. "If you did, I would say yes."
"And I would be ever so happy," Alm said.
She laughed softly. "You're always happy."
"Of course, you're with me."
She brushed her hair back and he was captivated, and so devoted.
"Are you going swimming?"
"The water is cold. I might wait for it to warm up," Celica said.
"I'll get you a treat until then. Got any preference?"
"I don't know what they've got," Celica said.
"No problem, I'll just get them all."
That'd hardly be a problem, as Alm would snack his way through at least half of it by the time it got to her.
Celica was lucky. She had herself an adoring husband, who liked cats and dressed like a 40 year old dad when the armor was off, and he was left to his own devices. Leon couldn't help but feel proud of his rulers. He was always a bit protective of Celica, considering all she'd been through. But, King Alm was such an adoring husband, Leon didn't even have to pull him aside to tell him not to even think about breaking her heart.
Mae had a sporty pink two piece with shorts, and flowers tied to each pink pigtail. She made it her personal mission in life to splash Boey, at all costs. Boey, personally treated the beach as if it were the reading hall, and kept to his little umbrella. His dark shorts were purely decorative and he hadn't even gone an inch towards the beach.
"Mae, don't get the pages wet!"
"Aww, Boey! It's the beach, not the library. Don't be a spoilsport!"
And Leon? He got to watch the show of other people being in love, with nobody out there falling desperately in love with him. Oh well, at least it was entertaining.
*
"Maybe if I was a shopkeeper, then I'd have Valbar's attention," Leon mused.
Of course, that would require him being a female shopkeeper. Even any Anna had a better chance of snagging Valbar than Leon ever did. Time had never really dulled that wound, the fact that it didn't matter how handsome or well-tailored his tunics were. Nothing Leon did would make Valbar feel about him that way.
(Of course, Leon still though Valbar was perfect in most ways. To say otherwise would be a lie. And he had determined that he would find another object of his attention...though the search hadn't gone too well.)
Leon kept to the shade. The slim covering worked well as a cushion. He could dip in the ocean once the sun wasn't quite so bright.
Kamui hauled a box down the beach. A nice sight indeed. Leon had to remind himself that it was Kamui.
But, even if it was Kamui, he could lift up things quite well too.
Leon leaned back and smiled.
"You and the Annas huh? Now there's a match made in money," Leon said.
"I'm getting paid for this," Kamui said.
"In what?"
Kamui gave him a confused look. "Gold. What else?"
"The undying devotion of one, or multiple Annas?"
"That doesn't pay the bills," Kamui said flatly.
"Of course, gold is your eternal love in the end," Leon teased.
"It hasn't let me down or broken my heart yet," Kamui said.
He wasn't even aware that Kamui had a heart to break, but there was always a first.
"It's a vacation. People usually don't spend them getting extra jobs. Were you really hard up for cash?"
Kamui swallowed at that.
"Poor choice of words?"
Kamui let out a sigh.
"I never pass up a time to make some money. Besides, I'll relax more if I can buy the best food and refreshments."
"Okay, you've got a point there," Leon said.
"Well, good luck. I'll just be here...people watching and enjoying the sights," Leon said.
"Thanks," Kamui said.
And Valbar was still helping everyone. Sigh, Valbar was too good for this world.
*
Yes, the sunset over the surf was perfectly lovely. And everyone had someone else there. Boey had Mae to tease him constantly, and play fight with, and Queen Celica had King Alm there to support and adore her.
And Leon? He couldn't even get someone to fetch drinks for him. A shame. All these handsome men, which were quite lovely to behold, and none of them adoring Leon.
Oh well. There had to be one in all these worlds that wanted him. Just one. That would be enough. Leon didn't need the messiness of a dozen or more admirers, all vying for his attention. Just one decent, handsome man to marry. That would be good enough.
"A whole world full of handsome men and I still haven't found one. I really need to have better luck with men," Leon said.
He sighed and sank down in the sand. Soon, it'd be cool enough for him to dip in the ocean without worrying about getting a sunburn. Ooh, and later there might be dancing.
Of course, most of them were already paired off.
Another day of being surrounded by utterly breathtakingly handsome men and none of them had fallen completely in love with him yet. At least he got to see some very lovely views.
"Here."
Leon glanced up.
Kamui put a large umbrella into the sand. He had a picnic basket in the crook of his arm.
"I heard you tell Valbar that you didn't want to go out because the sun would burn you. And I thought you might be hungry."
It was something of an excuse. Of course, he really would burn to the shade of a ripe tomato if he spent too much time in this intense summer sun. But, the last thing he wanted to do was accidentally be the third wheel as every woman into men in a ten mile radius drooled over Valbar.
Valbar couldn't help that he was perfect. It wouldn't be fair for Leon to be catty and jealous of all the people who admired him. If anything, Leon could understand their good taste.
"Oh, thank you. I thought you were working for the Annas?"
"I just finished my shift. I could've worked more, but....eh. You've gotta eat sometimes, you know?"
Kamui opened up the basket.
"Take a bite and get it while it's still fresh. I got a good deal on the whole thing. Anna gave me the service discount."
Leon glanced up from the basket.
"So let me get this straight? You did all that work and then spent it on me?"
Maybe straight wasn't the word to use here. The word wasn't very applicable to Kamui, or him for that matter.
Kamui rubbed at his hair and tried to hide a blush. "We're....friends, right? That's what friends do."
"That's what you're calling it now? I would've used another word, personally."
"Like...?" Kamui said uncertainly.
"Comrades in arms?" Leon said.
"Oh, right," Kamui said, his voice full of relief.
There he was thinking Leon was flirting with him again. Honestly! He probably wouldn't survive if Leon ever did flirt with him.
Not that Leon had any ambitions to do so. Even though his crush on Valbar was hopeless. And that Kamui did look pretty good in those swim trunks.
Leon looked Kamui over like this was the first time he'd seen him. Out of those loose clothes, he looked pretty damn good. Not that he'd ever tell Kamui that. Not now, not ever. Admitting that would be like...losing whatever score they were playing, that Kamui didn't seem to even know the rules to.
"Thank you for cheering me up, though," Leon said.
"Figured I'd keep you company. You looked a bit lonely."
Kamui smiled.
"If you ever need a bodyguard to keep all the adoring men away, I'm your guy. I'll charge a perfectly reasonable price. Maybe I'll even give you a discount."
"They all have wives. Or husbands. All the good ones are taken and straight or gay and also taken, or bi and also taken."
Leon sighed and watched several tactician and hero pairs. Some men had all the luck.
And he couldn't fault them. Maybe Leon just loved love, but it was sweet to see things like Queen Celica being utterly adored by King Alm.
The basket was actually quite well stocked. Some kind of lovely fruit torte, some beef jerky, some loose fruit and sandwiches. And was that wine down there? Oh, Kamui was a man after his own heart if he'd brought him a good bottle.
Figuratively and metaphorically speaking, of course.
"You like sweet things, so there's some in there. I can't stand that stuff, so...you should finish it off. It'll be a waste otherwise."
He was flush faced. Did he get a sunburn out there?
"Sounds delicious."
Leon took small, delicate bites of the torte to try and savor each bite. The fruit each went down so cool, a mixture of sweet and tart and oh so smooth.
The wine? He'd save that for later. Best not to mix drinking and diving. The results might be...unpleasant.
"It was delicious. Thank you for sharing."
Kamui glanced away. He'd been gnawing (far less delicately) on the jerky the whole time.
"No problem," Kamui said.
"Are you going swimming? You mentioned earlier that you wanted to. There's probably not any necrodragons in there," Leon said.
"Yeah, I think a swim would be a good way to cool off after my shift. You coming?"
"In a minute. I need to get something," Leon said.
He took one last glance to Kamui, and headed back to the shopkeepers.
*
Leon made some quick and discreet inquiries. A little gold and Anna spilled it all.
To be fair, it wasn't even entirely idle curiosity. He really did want to learn selling from the best. And everyone knew the Annas were the best sellers in any land. And if he learned more about Kamui along the way, well that was just extra.
Kamui wasn't too difficult to find. In fact, he showed up with another drink for Leon, without even being asked.
"There you are. Did you get what you were looking for?"
Kamui's dark hair was slicked down. Saltwater dripped down his neck, and his chest was covered in droplets.
"Thirsty?" Kamui said.
Leon's gaze lingered on the droplets at Kamui's neck. How tempting to lick them.
"Extremely," Leon said softly.
"Here," Kamui said.
He took the offered drink and had a sip. Fragrant, delicious, and more than a little fruity. He had to ask the Annas for a recipe, though he was sure they wouldn't give it up without a fight.
"I had a nice little talk with a certain shopkeeper. You said it wasn't that expensive. Turns out you spent everything you made yesterday on that umbrella and picnic basket, even with the discount," Leon said.
Kamui winced at that. "Wait, you asked the Annas?"
"I want to open a shop of my own. I need to keep mind of the prices around here, and the methods."
"I, uh...."
Kamui scratched his cheek.
"...probably owe you my life? Probably?"
Leon's brow furrowed. "What?"
Kamui smiled, more sure of himself now.
"We're comrades, right? I'm sure you've saved my life in the heat of battle. So, I'm paying that back."
"And I'm sure you saved my life plenty of times. Too many times to count. You don't owe me. I'm sure you repaid the favor by now," Leon said.
"That's the kind of thing which can never be fully repaid," Kamui said.
Weird how Kamui wanted to talk about nothing but Leon's love life. From his type in men, to how exactly what he wanted in a man, to more about Valbar. Of course, Leon loved talking about Valbar so that at least was welcome.
(Most of the time, anyways. At times thoughts of Valbar were...bittersweet. It was never pleasant to realize that no matter what he did, Valbar could never love him, just because Valbar didn't love men that way.)
It came to Leon that if he were witnessing Kamui and someone else, his first thought would be that boy's got it bad.
"I could hire you, like you suggested," Leon said slowly.
"It gets tiring carrying my own things. I could turn you into a double agent and tell me about the way of a shopkeeper."
"So I'm a spy now? A secret agent?"
Leon smiled. "Something like that."
He drank down his drink slowly, savoring the distinct flavor. Kamui had good taste in what he'd brought back to Leon as gifts.
"You need another drink? I could fetch you one."
"For a price?"
Kamui rubbed at his neck. "Already paid. You saved my life at some point, remember? That's what you do. You pay back people who save your life."
It didn't go unnoticed by him that Kamui was doing a pretty good of the perfect husband routine that King Alm had down to perfection. But, because it was Kamui, of course there was some denial about it not being what it looked like, really. He was just paying back a life-debt.
One day that boy had to find his way out of the closet. Leon kept trying to give him directions, but he only went in deeper. Leon just might have to take drastic measures for both their sakes.
"Well, maybe I'll just save your life again for fun. What do you think?"
"I think I'll be fetching a lot more drinks," Kamui said.
"Well, you are good for something after all," Leon teased.
He winked. "Now, my glass is empty. Be a good boy and fill it, would you?"
Leon leaned in. "I would be ever so grateful."
Kamui took a sharp intake of breath. Even a slight teasing wink could leave him on the brink of looking like he might faint from severe blood loss. Or, blood direction from the brain.
Leon wasn't cruel by nature, but it was...cute to see him like this.
"I-I got it," Kamui said.
Leon watched him go. Damn, that was a nice view. Probably the best he'd seen today, not that he was admitting that anytime soon. If Kamui had his denial, then Leon could have his as well.
And then they'd have this dance of neither quite admitting what was quite clearly there.
If they were dancing, Leon might as well dance right along as well.
It could be fun.
Series: Fire Emblem Heroes, Fire Emblem Echoes
Character/pairing: Kamui/Leon, Alm/Celica in the background
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Leon visits the beaches in Askr, along with some friends. Leon enjoys the sights (see: handsome men) but is left alone until sunset comes and Kamui returns from his job.
Word count: 3,110
Author's note:
I blame this big dad energy Alm art for that het subplot inspiration and extra swimsuits.
The rest was just the eternal KamuiLeon thirst. And the fact that I'm so tired all I can manage are FEH banner fic I guess.
The title also references the fact that it was literally a warm up for me.
"Ahh, Mila has truly blessed us..."
The beach had beautiful clean white sands, sparkling waters, and most of all, many handsome men, all stripped down to shirtless on the beach and soaking in the sunshine.
Now, Leon's skin was much too delicate to take such heat. He had on a pair of sunglasses, a large sun hat and a filmy robe over his pale lavender shorts that came to his upper thigh, and had a lighter stripe down the side. Did it matter that he looked a bit like a twice divorced sassy heiress who might have offed the last husband? No, that only made it better.
And it wasn't just the heroes from other lands, either.
Kamui had the audacity to look pretty damn good. His body was lean yet muscular, and covered with scars. He had olive green shorts, and a sword slung over his (surprisingly nice) shoulders.
Not that Leon would say that. Kamui would take it the wrong way. Besides, he didn't deserve to be complimented when he'd just stammer out a but I'm not gay! when Leon did something as innocuous as ask him what he wanted for dinner.
(As if Leon had offered himself on the menu.)
Honestly, that seemed how every conversation with them went. Leon was pretty tired of getting 'no homoed' when Kamui asked him directions to the mess hall, as if those things were remotely connected.
And Valbar? Heaven itself, that man was so strong. He had far less scars than Kamui, was slightly pudgy at his stomach, but he had big biceps, big thighs, and the biggest heart known to man.
Valbar caught all the eye of several of the shopkeeper girls, who sold treats on the beach. And Valbar, with his utter heart of gold couldn't even tell when they were flirting with him. He was just so helpful, he kept doing whatever they asked and helping out.
Of course, Leon knew it was just a ploy to keep him around. But pure hearted Valbar could never see the wiles in anyone.
Mila really did put too many blessings in one man when it came to Valbar. A shame she forgot to leave in the part where he could be attracted to men.
Kamui shaded his eyes with his calloused hand.
"There's a kiosk up there selling food. Pretty good gig up there. It looks like they're making plenty of money," Kamui said.
Leon tilted his head. "Oho, are you going to be a shopkeeper too?"
"That's right. You talked about wanting to open a shop one day," Kamui said.
"I had plans, yes. Though I'd have to fight with the Annas for space here, and they're quite ruthless in search of a deal. Among other things. Prices aren't the only thing they slash," Leon said.
Kamui and Valbar weren't the only ones from their lands who had come to the beaches.
King Alm exuded extreme dad energy. He wore some kind of green short-sleeved shirt, slightly open, and cargo pants, and a pair of shades. Then, for some unfathomable reason, he wore socks in his open sandals.
Leon needed to have a talk with him. And perhaps design him some decent boots. Had Anna sold him those as a prank?! Leon was offended on his behalf.
Queen Celica held up a large beach towel, which was the same red-gold of her hair. Her two piece was a coppery color that shone in the sun. Red flowers were braided into her long hair.
Alm couldn't stop staring at her, but in a way almost reverent and respectful, like one would look at a goddess.
Alm ran his hand through his hair. "I forgot for a moment."
Celica smiled. "What did you forgot?"
"I actually just remembered we're married and got happy again."
She laughed. "How could you forget that?"
"I guess you look so good that I wanted to propose all over again."
She came close and embraced him. "If you did, I would say yes."
"And I would be ever so happy," Alm said.
She laughed softly. "You're always happy."
"Of course, you're with me."
She brushed her hair back and he was captivated, and so devoted.
"Are you going swimming?"
"The water is cold. I might wait for it to warm up," Celica said.
"I'll get you a treat until then. Got any preference?"
"I don't know what they've got," Celica said.
"No problem, I'll just get them all."
That'd hardly be a problem, as Alm would snack his way through at least half of it by the time it got to her.
Celica was lucky. She had herself an adoring husband, who liked cats and dressed like a 40 year old dad when the armor was off, and he was left to his own devices. Leon couldn't help but feel proud of his rulers. He was always a bit protective of Celica, considering all she'd been through. But, King Alm was such an adoring husband, Leon didn't even have to pull him aside to tell him not to even think about breaking her heart.
Mae had a sporty pink two piece with shorts, and flowers tied to each pink pigtail. She made it her personal mission in life to splash Boey, at all costs. Boey, personally treated the beach as if it were the reading hall, and kept to his little umbrella. His dark shorts were purely decorative and he hadn't even gone an inch towards the beach.
"Mae, don't get the pages wet!"
"Aww, Boey! It's the beach, not the library. Don't be a spoilsport!"
And Leon? He got to watch the show of other people being in love, with nobody out there falling desperately in love with him. Oh well, at least it was entertaining.
*
"Maybe if I was a shopkeeper, then I'd have Valbar's attention," Leon mused.
Of course, that would require him being a female shopkeeper. Even any Anna had a better chance of snagging Valbar than Leon ever did. Time had never really dulled that wound, the fact that it didn't matter how handsome or well-tailored his tunics were. Nothing Leon did would make Valbar feel about him that way.
(Of course, Leon still though Valbar was perfect in most ways. To say otherwise would be a lie. And he had determined that he would find another object of his attention...though the search hadn't gone too well.)
Leon kept to the shade. The slim covering worked well as a cushion. He could dip in the ocean once the sun wasn't quite so bright.
Kamui hauled a box down the beach. A nice sight indeed. Leon had to remind himself that it was Kamui.
But, even if it was Kamui, he could lift up things quite well too.
Leon leaned back and smiled.
"You and the Annas huh? Now there's a match made in money," Leon said.
"I'm getting paid for this," Kamui said.
"In what?"
Kamui gave him a confused look. "Gold. What else?"
"The undying devotion of one, or multiple Annas?"
"That doesn't pay the bills," Kamui said flatly.
"Of course, gold is your eternal love in the end," Leon teased.
"It hasn't let me down or broken my heart yet," Kamui said.
He wasn't even aware that Kamui had a heart to break, but there was always a first.
"It's a vacation. People usually don't spend them getting extra jobs. Were you really hard up for cash?"
Kamui swallowed at that.
"Poor choice of words?"
Kamui let out a sigh.
"I never pass up a time to make some money. Besides, I'll relax more if I can buy the best food and refreshments."
"Okay, you've got a point there," Leon said.
"Well, good luck. I'll just be here...people watching and enjoying the sights," Leon said.
"Thanks," Kamui said.
And Valbar was still helping everyone. Sigh, Valbar was too good for this world.
*
Yes, the sunset over the surf was perfectly lovely. And everyone had someone else there. Boey had Mae to tease him constantly, and play fight with, and Queen Celica had King Alm there to support and adore her.
And Leon? He couldn't even get someone to fetch drinks for him. A shame. All these handsome men, which were quite lovely to behold, and none of them adoring Leon.
Oh well. There had to be one in all these worlds that wanted him. Just one. That would be enough. Leon didn't need the messiness of a dozen or more admirers, all vying for his attention. Just one decent, handsome man to marry. That would be good enough.
"A whole world full of handsome men and I still haven't found one. I really need to have better luck with men," Leon said.
He sighed and sank down in the sand. Soon, it'd be cool enough for him to dip in the ocean without worrying about getting a sunburn. Ooh, and later there might be dancing.
Of course, most of them were already paired off.
Another day of being surrounded by utterly breathtakingly handsome men and none of them had fallen completely in love with him yet. At least he got to see some very lovely views.
"Here."
Leon glanced up.
Kamui put a large umbrella into the sand. He had a picnic basket in the crook of his arm.
"I heard you tell Valbar that you didn't want to go out because the sun would burn you. And I thought you might be hungry."
It was something of an excuse. Of course, he really would burn to the shade of a ripe tomato if he spent too much time in this intense summer sun. But, the last thing he wanted to do was accidentally be the third wheel as every woman into men in a ten mile radius drooled over Valbar.
Valbar couldn't help that he was perfect. It wouldn't be fair for Leon to be catty and jealous of all the people who admired him. If anything, Leon could understand their good taste.
"Oh, thank you. I thought you were working for the Annas?"
"I just finished my shift. I could've worked more, but....eh. You've gotta eat sometimes, you know?"
Kamui opened up the basket.
"Take a bite and get it while it's still fresh. I got a good deal on the whole thing. Anna gave me the service discount."
Leon glanced up from the basket.
"So let me get this straight? You did all that work and then spent it on me?"
Maybe straight wasn't the word to use here. The word wasn't very applicable to Kamui, or him for that matter.
Kamui rubbed at his hair and tried to hide a blush. "We're....friends, right? That's what friends do."
"That's what you're calling it now? I would've used another word, personally."
"Like...?" Kamui said uncertainly.
"Comrades in arms?" Leon said.
"Oh, right," Kamui said, his voice full of relief.
There he was thinking Leon was flirting with him again. Honestly! He probably wouldn't survive if Leon ever did flirt with him.
Not that Leon had any ambitions to do so. Even though his crush on Valbar was hopeless. And that Kamui did look pretty good in those swim trunks.
Leon looked Kamui over like this was the first time he'd seen him. Out of those loose clothes, he looked pretty damn good. Not that he'd ever tell Kamui that. Not now, not ever. Admitting that would be like...losing whatever score they were playing, that Kamui didn't seem to even know the rules to.
"Thank you for cheering me up, though," Leon said.
"Figured I'd keep you company. You looked a bit lonely."
Kamui smiled.
"If you ever need a bodyguard to keep all the adoring men away, I'm your guy. I'll charge a perfectly reasonable price. Maybe I'll even give you a discount."
"They all have wives. Or husbands. All the good ones are taken and straight or gay and also taken, or bi and also taken."
Leon sighed and watched several tactician and hero pairs. Some men had all the luck.
And he couldn't fault them. Maybe Leon just loved love, but it was sweet to see things like Queen Celica being utterly adored by King Alm.
The basket was actually quite well stocked. Some kind of lovely fruit torte, some beef jerky, some loose fruit and sandwiches. And was that wine down there? Oh, Kamui was a man after his own heart if he'd brought him a good bottle.
Figuratively and metaphorically speaking, of course.
"You like sweet things, so there's some in there. I can't stand that stuff, so...you should finish it off. It'll be a waste otherwise."
He was flush faced. Did he get a sunburn out there?
"Sounds delicious."
Leon took small, delicate bites of the torte to try and savor each bite. The fruit each went down so cool, a mixture of sweet and tart and oh so smooth.
The wine? He'd save that for later. Best not to mix drinking and diving. The results might be...unpleasant.
"It was delicious. Thank you for sharing."
Kamui glanced away. He'd been gnawing (far less delicately) on the jerky the whole time.
"No problem," Kamui said.
"Are you going swimming? You mentioned earlier that you wanted to. There's probably not any necrodragons in there," Leon said.
"Yeah, I think a swim would be a good way to cool off after my shift. You coming?"
"In a minute. I need to get something," Leon said.
He took one last glance to Kamui, and headed back to the shopkeepers.
*
Leon made some quick and discreet inquiries. A little gold and Anna spilled it all.
To be fair, it wasn't even entirely idle curiosity. He really did want to learn selling from the best. And everyone knew the Annas were the best sellers in any land. And if he learned more about Kamui along the way, well that was just extra.
Kamui wasn't too difficult to find. In fact, he showed up with another drink for Leon, without even being asked.
"There you are. Did you get what you were looking for?"
Kamui's dark hair was slicked down. Saltwater dripped down his neck, and his chest was covered in droplets.
"Thirsty?" Kamui said.
Leon's gaze lingered on the droplets at Kamui's neck. How tempting to lick them.
"Extremely," Leon said softly.
"Here," Kamui said.
He took the offered drink and had a sip. Fragrant, delicious, and more than a little fruity. He had to ask the Annas for a recipe, though he was sure they wouldn't give it up without a fight.
"I had a nice little talk with a certain shopkeeper. You said it wasn't that expensive. Turns out you spent everything you made yesterday on that umbrella and picnic basket, even with the discount," Leon said.
Kamui winced at that. "Wait, you asked the Annas?"
"I want to open a shop of my own. I need to keep mind of the prices around here, and the methods."
"I, uh...."
Kamui scratched his cheek.
"...probably owe you my life? Probably?"
Leon's brow furrowed. "What?"
Kamui smiled, more sure of himself now.
"We're comrades, right? I'm sure you've saved my life in the heat of battle. So, I'm paying that back."
"And I'm sure you saved my life plenty of times. Too many times to count. You don't owe me. I'm sure you repaid the favor by now," Leon said.
"That's the kind of thing which can never be fully repaid," Kamui said.
Weird how Kamui wanted to talk about nothing but Leon's love life. From his type in men, to how exactly what he wanted in a man, to more about Valbar. Of course, Leon loved talking about Valbar so that at least was welcome.
(Most of the time, anyways. At times thoughts of Valbar were...bittersweet. It was never pleasant to realize that no matter what he did, Valbar could never love him, just because Valbar didn't love men that way.)
It came to Leon that if he were witnessing Kamui and someone else, his first thought would be that boy's got it bad.
"I could hire you, like you suggested," Leon said slowly.
"It gets tiring carrying my own things. I could turn you into a double agent and tell me about the way of a shopkeeper."
"So I'm a spy now? A secret agent?"
Leon smiled. "Something like that."
He drank down his drink slowly, savoring the distinct flavor. Kamui had good taste in what he'd brought back to Leon as gifts.
"You need another drink? I could fetch you one."
"For a price?"
Kamui rubbed at his neck. "Already paid. You saved my life at some point, remember? That's what you do. You pay back people who save your life."
It didn't go unnoticed by him that Kamui was doing a pretty good of the perfect husband routine that King Alm had down to perfection. But, because it was Kamui, of course there was some denial about it not being what it looked like, really. He was just paying back a life-debt.
One day that boy had to find his way out of the closet. Leon kept trying to give him directions, but he only went in deeper. Leon just might have to take drastic measures for both their sakes.
"Well, maybe I'll just save your life again for fun. What do you think?"
"I think I'll be fetching a lot more drinks," Kamui said.
"Well, you are good for something after all," Leon teased.
He winked. "Now, my glass is empty. Be a good boy and fill it, would you?"
Leon leaned in. "I would be ever so grateful."
Kamui took a sharp intake of breath. Even a slight teasing wink could leave him on the brink of looking like he might faint from severe blood loss. Or, blood direction from the brain.
Leon wasn't cruel by nature, but it was...cute to see him like this.
"I-I got it," Kamui said.
Leon watched him go. Damn, that was a nice view. Probably the best he'd seen today, not that he was admitting that anytime soon. If Kamui had his denial, then Leon could have his as well.
And then they'd have this dance of neither quite admitting what was quite clearly there.
If they were dancing, Leon might as well dance right along as well.
It could be fun.
