Day 2 of the Wyvern Moon

Santaniel hummed as he fixed up some more medicine for Arti, "Kinda surprised you're willingly taking care of these two. Guess the incident at the Basilisk nest and the poison softened you up." Arti rolled his eyes and took the bowl of medicine, spooning it into the girl's mouths.

He'll be honest. He didn't care about taking care of others when they were recovering. He was always one to just shake it off and move on to the next task. Granted Arti or Hephaestus would dote on him with his injuries, so he acted as tough as possible. He sighed and gazed at the two girls, their eyes barely starting to open now, with the addition of Arti's raw healing, they'd be up on their feet soon.

"Hey Art, how badly do you think we'll beat the Blue Lions and Golden Deer in the upcoming fight?" The masked man cocked his head to the side, "Mm, absolute wipe. We have nothing to worry about other than our strategy." Santaniel snickered and they returned their attention to their patients, Monica's eyes now wide open and boring into his soul. Goddess… That's how it felt?

Arti walked over, summoning a Heal, but the woman was springing out of bed already. Arti gave him a questioning look, he agreed, something was very off. Flayn had been darted with paralyzing poison, but this girl had been missing for a full year. Did something else happen to her? His train of thought was interrupted by the redhead clinging to his arm, attempting to whisper something, and he immediately felt uncomfortable. Arti sensed it and pried her off, "You're still recovering. Get some rest."

Arti looked back at him and he took the signal, taking his leave from the room, sighing in relief. Time to do some strategizing with the Professor and Edelgard. Now that he thought about it… Where were they meeting again?

———

Day 3 of the Wyvern Moon

Santaniel hummed as he jumped back from an overhead strike, dipping low and brought his right arm into Balthus' abdomen. He sputtered and Santaniel took advantage, a left hook in the close quarters didn't knock him out, but it did knock him down. He'd lose if it were just brawling, that's for sure, but Balthus was using an axe, Santaniel was too.

But it shattered pretty early on.

He had taken a swing at the pale man early, missing narrowly and shattered the wooden head on the rough dirt. So he was just fists and magic now. Speaking of which, he casted a Fire and knocked Balthus into a wall, Santaniel raising the broken axe at him. "Nice fight."

"You too, Santaniel!"

"Teach me how to brawl and I'll teach you to wield an axe ten times better than you do now." Balthus chuckled and gave him a fist bump, "What are we doing now Professor?" He looked over and noticed he was in conversation with Edelgard and Monica, "Eh. You wanna go another round? We can go swords this time. I'll use daggers though."

"Sure thing."

Santaniel unsheathed a set of silver daggers and noticed his shirt was already torn from earlier, "Damn it Balthus. You have a shirt I can borrow?" Balthus stared at him and shook his head no, "I never wear any."

"Why? Actually, you know what. Nevermind. Guess I'm going shirtless, already hopeless with sewing, might as well not make more work for myself." Santaniel walked over to the side and folded his jacket up neatly, setting it on a bench. He took his shirt off and stretched his sides out. He walked back and brandished his daggers, waiting for Balthus to make the first move with his rapier. As the spar commenced, he felt eyes burning into his side and he hated the feeling. Like ants crawling over his scars.

He focused back in on the spar, avoiding a horizontal slash, followed by a jab that would definitely hurt. He threw two daggers and unsheathed another set, both blades finding a home in Balthus' skin. "Sorry bud." Santaniel felt the blade scathe his left arm and he hissed in pain, kicking at the man's legs and making contact. Balthus fell and Santaniel kneeled on his chest, the flat end of the dagger pressed against his throat, "Good match my friend. Just think you were a bit underprepared."

———

Edelgard couldn't help but gaze at the match with renewed interest, Santaniel and Balthus had been sparring for what seemed like hours now and she finally got some words and questions into Byleth. Monica had been following her like a puppy all day, and now her eyes were transfixed on a shirtless Santaniel wielding her favorite things in the world. Daggers.

She was guilty of staring too, but most everyone in the room was. She noticed a devious, no, that wasn't the right word… Hungry. There was a hungry glint in Monica's eyes. Before she could say anything, the small imposter approached Santaniel and got really close, a hand laying on his arm and the other over his biggest surgery scar. Right over his heart. But it was trailing south quickly. Santaniel edged away from the woman who was laying praises on him, he seemed uncomfortable with someone he didn't know touching him. That or he was reading her eyes. She doubted someone in isolation most of their life would understand what was running through Monica's head.

Something she'd never admit had run through her's as well.

Santaniel backed up again and retrieved his shirt, pulling it over his scarred skin, the jacket following. He returned and started up a conversation, Monica edging closer and closer. Edelgard placed herself between the two, standing just an inch or two between her and Santaniel. Monica huffed and went to his right side, attempting to get his attention by poking his metal arm, failing due to obvious reasons. She paid attention to what her Professor and classmate were saying, "I just wanted to update my learning goals, I'm pretty much done with axes, so I was wondering if I could get some more material on swords and magic?"

"It should be of no issue. I'll update it as soon as possible." Santaniel grinned and nodded his thanks, seemingly registering the two women mere inches off. "Uh, sorry, did I hold you guys up for something?" The sickly sweet voice of Monica left her throat and hearing it was like eating pure molasses, "Nope. I was wondering if you'd care to join me for a meal."

She leaned forward and dragged her finger across his prosthetic, he gripped a Holy Twin and a twinge of lime green gathered in it. Unease? "No thanks. I already have plans with my brothers to go out on the town tonight. I appreciate the offer though." He broke the contact and gave Edelgard a small smile as he left, Monica huffing at her as she left as well. More than likely to cause issues for someone else.

'Not how I wanted to spend my month.'

———

Day 8 of the Horsebow Moon

Santaniel hummed as he picked a couple flower heads, setting them in a bowl of water. It didn't have much practical use but it looked pretty, maybe it could work as a sort of bouquet. "Santaniel." He waved behind his head and carefully spread compost over seeds where he plucked the flowers from. "May I join you?"

"Sure. I'm just about done though. Want to grab some lunch at the Mess Hall?" He looked up at Edelgard and noticed her hair was in a ponytail, rare for such a formal person. "Nice hair style. Looks pretty." He picked up the bowl of petals and water and set it down on a cornerstone of a wall, not bothering to tease her about the thin blush on her cheeks. "Thank you. May I ask what that is for?"

"Not much. Just looks pretty, sometimes I put them in my room as decor. Shall we?" He offered his left arm and she accepted it, smiling happily. She seemed happier, until the scraping of stones signaled someone new joining them. "Hey El! Hello Santaniel~"

'Goddess bless Fódlan.' He smiled weakly and greeted her, "Hello." If his eyes betrayed anything, she didn't care to look at them. Her eyes had something gross behind them, normally he'd only seen Agarthan's with such a hideous, tar colored soul. Was he just getting bad vibes for no reason? Something that just wasn't there? He felt Edelgard tighten her grip, he summoned his scry and poked her soul, asking for entrance to her mind. 'Hey. I know you're uncomfortable right now, want me to tell her to back off?'

'It's fine. Do you still want to get something to eat?'

'Well yeah. At least with you.' Monica poked him in the stomach, her nails sharp. He had apparently gone glassy eyed. "What ya thinkin' about?"

"Getting some food with Edelgard. If you'd-" She abruptly cut him off and his patience was wearing thin. "Oh! I'm hungry too! Let's go!" Santaniel felt his right arm get yanked and he sent a crackle of energy through it, not on purpose, but just a natural reflex. The small girl yelped, falling backwards and knocking over the bowl of water and petals, "Ow! What was that for?"

"Sorry. Just a natural reflex. I don't like getting pulled around." Edelgard was stifling a snicker and Monica stormed off, pissed at him for at least the time being. "Let's go and get something to eat while she's busy pouting." Edelgard nodded and they strolled to the Mess Hall, sharing a couple of peach sorbets before their headache arrived again to bug them.

———

Day 12 of the Wyvern Moon

"Hey Edelgard, wanna spar?" She turned her head and glanced at Santaniel, already holding two training axes. "Oh, I suppose I should." He handed her the axe and took his paces, "Just been a while since you've joined someone in the training grounds. Don't want you getting rusty before the biggest battle this year right?" He noticed she'd been absent? She picked up the wooden axe and he beckoned her forward.

She accepted the invitation.

Edelgard dashed forward, noticing a faint glimmer around Santaniel's right arm. He was summoning a spell. She stuck her foot in the ground and cut back to the left, avoiding a lightning strike, but not the crack of the wooden axe head on her shoulder. "Again." She nodded and walked back to where she started, Santaniel on the offense this time. He came at her, covering ground leisurely, he'd definitely gotten faster by training with the Professor.

She ducked his first swing, taking hers at his feet. He simply stepped up, then on the weapon, hitting her lightly on the head with his own weapon. "C'mon Princess, where's that ferocity I used to see? Bring it one hundred percent. I'm not holding back on this next one." He was challenging her again. She'd be damned if she didn't win this time.

He turned to her again, his dual Crests flashing as his wings and talons appeared, yet his eyes remained hazel, he was getting better at controlling it. He took to the air and circled her, eyes constantly locked with hers, he dove and took a swipe, getting blocked by her axe. He whipped around and let a column of fire rain down, she deftly avoided it and casted Fire back, clipping his wing. He grimaced and tucked into a roll, pressing the offense again, crashing into her with his shoulder. He didn't have daggers this time.

She held on and pressed him down into the ground, keeping him in a headlock. He tapped out and she hopped off, letting him shake his wings free of dirt before flashing again, his body turning back to normal. "Nice fight princess. Bring that same energy during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, otherwise I'm taking the prize single handedly." He brushed past her, leaving a small kiss on her cheek. She blushed and coughed into her hand, causing him to laugh more. "Let's go back and keep planning with Byleth, we have a small pocket of land by the river, we need some strategies."

She nodded and followed him closely, occasionally brushing up against him briefly, feeling just a bit more playful than usual from his challenge.

On the way back they intertwined their fingers, walking back happily.

———

Day 26 of the Wyvern Moon

Santaniel stood with his hands crossed behind his back as Byleth went over their strategy for seemingly the tenth time, he was growing impatient. Thankfully Flayn had joined their class at least, but Byleth wasn't letting her compete in the battle. Neither was Monica, a blessing to Edelgard and Hubert no doubt, the latter looked like he was ready to implode from caffeine overdose.

"So, we'll have Me, Lysithea, Hubert, Bernadetta, and Felix take the center hill. Santaniel and his brothers will engage with Claude and take down the Golden Deer. Edelgard, Caspar, Ferdinand and the Ashen Wolves will be taking on the Blue Lions. Be as careful as possible, and be ready to move out by this afternoon." Santaniel nodded and set the plan to stone in his head.

Time to make an impact.

———

Day 27 of the Wyvern Moon

"Good luck guys. See ya on the flip." Santaniel and his brothers took off for the most overgrown part of the valley where Claude and the rest of the Golden Deer waited, Edelgard and Ferdinand getting their group on the move towards Dimitri. "Lysithea, Hubert, let's get to the center."

"Yes Professor."

"Hmph."

The two mages backed him up as they cleared the path for Bernadetta and Felix to the center, knocking the Blue Lions guarding it aside like leaves in the Fall. They eventually confronted Ashe, who shot an arrow desperately at Bernadetta, Felix blocking it with his sword and then made a mad dash at the small grey haired archer, giving him a beating to remember. Eventually he took his post to the West, Lysithea guarding Bernadetta as she and her battalion let the projectiles fly.

He stood at the South, watching Dedue march towards the East and into a frantically imploding Golden Deer class, no doubt a result of Santaniel's ambush.

———

Santaniel and his brothers climbed through the trees, leaping from sturdy branch to branch, eventually surrounding Claude who was settled upon his wyvern. It's fire breath shimmering in the cold air. "Hey Hilda. Do you think the Blue Lions and the Eagles are fighting yet?" The pinkette was gazing through a telescope, sighing as she gave her report, "They aren't. Let's just get a move on already! I don't want to sit here in the cold the entire time." Lorenz snickered at her apprehension, "Please Hilda. Do be slightly more durable. You're a noble after all."

'Ready to pounce?'

'Nah. This is fun to watch.' Santaniel rolled his eyes and settled on his branch above Claude, his Holy Twins aura faint in the afternoon light. 'Soon as Claude gets ready to take off, we attack, alright?'

'Deal.' Hephaestus was such a drama slut. He tuned his ear back into the conversation, having gotten a bit heated, how bad could it have gotten by now? "Yeah. And you're a man whore Lorenz." Santaniel sputtered and nearly fell off his branch, containing his laughter just barely, Xavien was snickering and Hephaestus was slack jawed. Arti was predictably indifferent. "W-what did you say?!" Hilda turned her head to him and blatantly stated, "A man whore. You just don't get any results because women know better than to screw a guy who looks like he cut his hair blindfolded with a pair of garden shears."

"H-Hilda what are you talking about?" Santaniel turned his eyes over to Arti who wore a bored expression and Santaniel popped back in with his scry, 'Ok. Let's get these idiots off the battlefield before I laugh my ass off too much and give us away. 3… 2… 1… Now!' Santaniel dropped from the tree branch and drove his knee into Claude's back, Xavien pouncing on Lorenz who was screaming insults at Hilda, and Hilda was already surrounded on both sides with Aura and Ragnarok boiling on the dual mages' finger tips. "You guys are seriously funny to listen to, but keep that shit to yourselves."

"How much did you hear?!" He didn't get to stick around, Claude's Wyvern taking off as Santaniel struggled with subduing Claude, his quiver being a massive issue. "Claude, just surrender! I already have you-" He let out a yelp as he slid in the saddle, barely keeping his balance, they were very high up now. "Actually Santaniel. I have you here. Better surrender before you take a nice drop." Santaniel blankly stared at him, giving a salute as he dropped off the wyvern, tucking into a tight dive as he sprouted his wings. '3… 2… 1…'

"Gah!" Claude dropped below to catch him, but Santaniel had the advantage now, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and the Almyran house leader took a short drop into the cold river. "Sorry Claude, but you lost this one!" He had already gone back to the river bed, his wings gone and Claude looked at him with nothing but sheer terror. Santaniel cackled at him, taking a light jog to help out the other Eagles.

———

Edelgard fended off Ingrid while Ferdinand took on Sylvain. Yuri and Hapi were firing off spells at Mercedes and Annette who were returning them. Caspar and Balthus were fending off the other battalions, Constance was… somewhere?

A large bolt of lightning, Bolting, that's what the spell was called, struck Sylvain. He let out a startled cry and he fell from his horse, Ferdinand pointing his spear head at his chest. She watched Ingrid pull into a steep climb, she was attempting something Santaniel did as well. It would be a dive at her right side, 'And Santaniel does have the natural instincts of an animal. So if I…'

She stepped back as Ingrid passed, grabbing her by her lance arm, pinning her to the ground with a headlock. Caspar yelled out a war cry and decked a poor student in the face, while Balthus and Yuri had the Blue Lion mages practically cornered with ballista fire and their own weapons. "Let's close in on Dimitri. Advance!"

———

Byleth ducked as Dedue swatted at him with his axe, deftly landing on his feet and throwing a dagger at the man's chest. The blade hit its target, but stuck in the hardened steel. "My apologies Professor, but this might sting." Dedue slammed his fist into Byleth's chest, knocking him to the ground. The bitter scent of magic filled the air afterwards, and Dedue laid on the ground in pain. "Are you alright Professor?"

"Yes Lysithea. Thank you. What's the status of the battle?"

"Oh, uh, Santaniel and his brothers took out the Golden Deer in its entirety, and Santaniel is currently on his way to help fight Dimitri."

———

Santaniel hummed as he jogged across the field, having avoided a good portion of the Blue Lion's battalions entirely. "People ask who, we are… So we tell them…" Eventually he got to the main encampment of Dimitri, the sounds of fighting already ringing out from the center. He kept humming as he walked up the steps, avoiding the occasional falling person, and made it to the flat surface of the altar grounds. "Lovely columns. I need to study some more architecture."

He scanned the crowd for the respective house leader's capes, eventually spying the wildly flying blue and red amongst the chaos. He took a deep breath and casted shatter, he wanted to head back to the Monastery and take a break. He broke his stride into a sprint, kicking the man in his way to the ground, pivoting on his foot to avoid a lance. He casted Bolganone and cleared the way, locking his gaze with Dimitri. "Sup' Prince."

Energy crackled on his right hand, Edelgard to his diagonal right. Dimitri was extremely strong, so he'd have to be careful. Dimitri eyed the two white haired leaders, a defensive stance overtaking him, he'd be fighting hard.

Time to simply end this.

Santaniel absorbed the adrenaline that fueled him and slammed into Dimitri's guard. He couldn't over power him. But he'd be damned if he couldn't oversmart the blonde. Defense was what he knew best after all. Dimitri shook off his first attack, not anticipating the second axe hilt that came and slammed into his shoulder. He took the brunt and attempted an attack back at Santaniel, getting blocked by Edelgard, the woman sending a sharp jab with her hilt into his stomach.

Santaniel balled his right hand and slammed it into Dimitri's face, sending him to the ground, a thick bruise already coloring the skin underneath his chin. The horns sounded and Santaniel looked up at the cliff, smiling, "Well. You won Princess."

———

After the Battle, back at Garegg Mach

Edelgard hopped off her horse, leading it to the servants at the monastery. "Thank you. Take care."

"You too, your Highness." She smiled and walked calmly back to the supply wagons, searching them for Santaniel, he had a tendency to fall asleep in one. How he did it she had no idea. She frowned as she came up empty, taking a sweeping gaze across the grounds, locking in on the Mess Hall, seeing him in a conversation with… Rhea… He said he wasn't devout in the slightest to the church. So why was the Archbishop of the church speaking to him then?

She knew what Rhea was, hell, Santaniel was the same as her. Yet… He seemed uncomfortable, much more rigid, always glancing around for a way out. He was sensing something behind her eyes, that she wasn't who she let on to be. Edelgard crept closer, if she could give him an out, she'd try her best to. She walked softly, trying her best to catch up… Why were they so tall?

Eventually they found their way to the Cathedral, Rhea asking Santaniel to join her in prayer. She chose this moment to step out and interrupt, "Hey Santaniel. I was wondering where you were, the celebration is about to start." The man noticeably looked relieved, his posture breaking its rigid tendency, and his eyes stopped turning to slits. "Thank you for the talk Rhea. Have a nice day." He joined Edelgard and they started walking to the mess hall, once they were out of earshot he let out a large sigh.

"Thank you. I can't tell why I get so uncomfortable around her. Something just unnerves me." She nodded and bumped into him, "It's fine. I get that same feeling. Just something about her eyes…" He shook his head, "It's not that. She's very well guarded, more so than Arti in a fight, it's her… Presence. She has a suffocating air around her that just feels… Too good to be true. She feels more fabricated than the Crest in my chest."

'So those are his feelings on the situation… Interesting.'

"Well, whatever, I'm going to pretend that little mess didn't happen. Want Hephaestus to teach you some drinking songs? It's what I'm humming most of the time anyways." She shook her head, "Oh, no. I haven't drank before." Santaniel cocked his head and she stared at him back, "Have you?"

"Uh, yeah. Let's just say Hephaestus didn't appreciate his stash going missing after bigger fights on the island. Kinda started after the Holy Twins got stolen, became an unhealthy coping mechanism, and then Hephaestus and Arti dragged me out of it. They've always been there for me, but now I just drink as a pleasure thing. C'mon, you can try your first glass of wine at least." She nodded and followed, the sounds of the Mess Hall echoing loudly into the open air courtyard. "After you Your Highness." He mockingly bowed and she rolled her eyes, "Thank you Santaniel."

———

The majority of the night was spent by Santaniel, Yuri, and Balthus trading stories loudly into the night, but Edelgard attended to business as the Flame Emperor. The act was witnessed by Byleth, Dimitri, Yuri, and Santaniel, having spied on the affair. They knew someone was afoot in the monastery, but who?

———

Day 31 of the Wyvern Moon

"Good morning Edelgard!" Oh no. It's the headache. She forced a fake smile to her face and greeted her, "Good morning Monica." Edelgard brushed past her and the small imposter bounced from foot to foot, bursting with energy. "So, what are we doing today? Any plans with Santaniel?"

"You'll be continuing your studies with Hubert. You won't be going near anyone-"

"Hey Edelgard." Oh no. "Oh! My savior!" Monica launched herself at Santaniel and he reflexively dodged her, the small woman crashing into the ground. "Sorry. I told you I don't like my personal space intruded upon by people I don't know-" She threw her arms around his chest and he seemed distressed. "Please- Get off." She listened and gave him a brilliant, too-perfect smile. "Ok!" Santaniel seemed unnerved by something, his voice intruding upon her mind, 'Uh, yeah. I'm gonna… I'm gonna go back to the island, I don't exactly feel like dealing with her today. Feel free to bring a book and join me for some time away from this little parasite.' She smiled truly for the first time since the fight in the catacombs. 'I'll happily join you then.'

———

"Hey boys. Think you guys can get out of the house today? Edelgard's comin' over and I don't feel like you guys need to tease us more than you already do." Hephaestus shrugged, "I don't mind. Me and Manuela have a date anyways. Enjoy your time kid, not too much of course." Hephaestus brushed past him and ruffled his hair, taking his leave for the day. He looked around for Arti, guess he was taking his day to visit his old caretaker. The trip usually lasted about a week and he had left just today, no worries about him coming home early.

"Oi! Xavien? You around?"

"Yeah. Bed room." Santaniel rolled his eyes and pushed the door open, "'Sup?" He closed the door and noticed the fancy suit, "Job coming up?" Xavien grinned, "I actually need to talk to you about that. You know that lil' gal Bernadetta? She let slip to me her father was a piece of shit. Free of charge job, but I'm known over there. So, I was wondering if you could help me out here?"

"One condition, you leave the house for the day. Edelgard is coming over, and I don't think you need to bother me more than you already do." Xavien laughed loudly, "Deal, go ahead and get the research room set up. I'll tell her which room it is when you get here."

"Thanks Xav, have a good one. Make sure to get the tailor to make it fit to my size." Xavien nodded and he took his leave, getting to work on organizing the book room.

———

Edelgard sighed as Hubert finally pulled Monica off of her long enough to get away. She tentatively stepped toward, then into the mirror, the increase in heat catching her off guard. "Hey." She nodded towards Xavien and he pointed towards the hallway, "Last room on the left."

"Thank you-"

"Hurt my brother and I won't hesitate to do the same to you." He stood up and walked through the mirror, a chilly air around him. The house was near silent besides the ocean's waves out front. She brushed off what Xavien said as something Hubert would say. They… really were similar. She stepped lightly through the house and found the room Xavien was talking about, pushing the door open softly and peeking in. "Hey."

The room was dimly lit and surprisingly warm, just the faint light of a luminous moss lantern glowing in the corner. "Grab a seat where you want, pastries are on the side table." He readjusted on the small leather couch and returned to his book, Edelgard sitting on the other end of it. She opened her book and set into her imaginative landscape, just reading and setting herself free for a while.

It seemed a couple hours passed because Santaniel laid down on the couch horizontally now, out of habit seemingly. He didn't realize he had put his head in her lap, a blush spreading across her face as he kept reading. There was no reason to feel awkward. Soon the only light in the room was the lantern, and she was starting to feel sluggish. A yawn escaped her mouth and Santaniel giggled, "Feeling tired Princess?" She huffed and he just laughed a bit more, his hair covering his eyes until her pulled it back and met her eyes, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

Lips… Her mind wandered back to when Monica, the little devil rat, was practically throwing herself at Santaniel… He looked so uncomfortable, no doubt seeing something that he didn't think was there. She wanted to just lean down and- She felt his warm hand brush against her cheek, a small concerned look in his eyes as he looked up at her. "You ok El?" She couldn't hide it anymore. She leaned down and met his lips, a delicate weight finally lifted from her shoulders, her body melting into his.

She felt Santaniel's body tense, caught off guard, but he started to relax. He leaned into it and when they broke apart he had a thick blush across his cheeks, a small giggle coming from his throat. "Sorry, just thought I was gonna have to initiate it. Actually…" He leaned up and pulled her in for a more passionate kiss, not very daring, but plenty of emotion to suffice for it. She was starting to get flustered, 'Why am I doing this? I don't have time for-' She suddenly missed having his lips to hers, the contact between their lips abruptly coming to and end.

"Edelgard?" He broke the kiss and was looking at her with concern just like he did earlier, "You ok?" She nodded and let a breath go she'd been holding for a while. "Yes, I apologize." He planted a kiss on her cheek and smiled lazily, "Don't be sorry, what was your book about?" He sat back up on the opposite side of the couch, and she missed the warmth he provided. Well… She laid her head on his chest, staring into his eyes, and started to talk about her book. They went back and forth about their respective stories, eventually another yawn escaped her mouth, causing Santaniel to smile, "You should probably head back to your dorm. Hubert will throw a fit if he finds out you fell asleep somewhere else."

"He isn't the boss of me. If I tell him it was an accident he would believe me." Santaniel rolled his eyes, "Sure thing princess." Usually he said it as a tease, but it became a bit more, something endearing behind it. She yawned again and Santaniel leaned his head back, "Get comfy then. Unless you feel like sharing a bed after all." Now he was teasing again. She pouted and Santaniel giggled, "I'd say I'm sorry, but I'm not. Here, I have an idea." He pulled the blanket from the back of the couch over them, it was heavy and soft, the heat of their bodies caught between the sheets and the leather cushions. She still stared up at him, the light dimming to a faint glimmer, his face illuminated and just close enough to…

She didn't have to think about it long, a short kiss that was far and away more daring than the last, and it satisfied the feeling welling in her chest, creating a new one further down. "Night Princess." She laid her head down on his chest and the steady thumping of his heart, combined with his soft breathing put her to sleep. Surprisingly, no nightmares came for the first time in a very long time.

———

Day 1 of the Red Wolf Moon

When they woke in the morning, plenty of teasing towards the two started, mainly from Santaniel's brothers, but so did the beginning of something the two snow haired students hoped to last a lifetime.

Maybe longer?