Chapter Text
Sylvain let out a long wolf whistle. “Damn. Who is that?” he asked, indicating with a nod. “Did the track team recruit somebody new this year?”
Ingrid backhanded him across the chest. “Don’t be a pervert, Sylvain.” Felix nodded, stretching his calves.
“All I’m doing is appreciating a fine piece of ass when I see one. Is that so wrong?”
Felix and Ingrid both snapped their heads towards him, scowling. “Yes!” They yelled in unison.
“Besides, I don’t think Leonie would appreciate you talking about her like that,” Ingrid added. Felix grunted in agreement.
Sylvain’s eyes bulged slightly in surprise. “That’s Leonie? She’s uh, really filled out since last year.” He ogled her while she touched her toes.
“More like you just never noticed,” Felix muttered. “She’s had boobs since high school.”
“Not like those,” Sylvain said, eyeing Leonie appreciatively. He glanced slyly at Felix. “Since when did you start noticing a girl’s assets?”
Turning deep crimson, Felix stammered out a growly, “It’s not like that.”
“Isn’t it?” Sylvain teased.
“We had judo together in high school. Women wear a different gi,” Felix snapped. “So of course I noticed.”
“Of course,” Sylvain said flatly, disappointed. “Leave it to you to pay attention to her athleticwear.”
“And anyway, it’s not like you have a chance with her,” Ingrid said smugly. She waited for Sylvain to take a long sip before adding, “She’s dating Dorothea.”
A voluminous spray of water escaped Sylvain’s mouth, drenching a disgusted Felix. The shorter man angrily punched the gaping redhead and stalked off. “…You’re joking,” Sylvain eventually said.
“Nope! I saw them making out in the quad last semester.”
Sylvain frowned. “Do you think Thea is doing it to get back at me?”
Laughing, Ingrid shook her head. “Sylvain, not everything is about you.”
*
I can’t stop thinking about how much she’s changed,” Sylvain rambled. “She used to be this gangly tomboy who dressed like Huckleberry Finn.” He paused in thought. “She spoke like him, too.”
Dimitri sighed and exchanged a longsuffering glance with Dedue. For a week now, Sylvain had held a lengthy “conversation” with anyone who would listen about Leonie’s “unexpected” transformation. To everyone’s astonishment, Mercedes’ calm demeanor slipped when she tired of the subject, sarcastically asking Sylvain if he needed to get laid. At the time, he sputtered and avoided her question.
“You guys don’t understand,” Sylvain emphasized. “She’s been a thorn in my side since we were in middle school. Leonie always placed better than me at sports—and I’m good at sports!”
“You still placed first academically,” Dimitri replied calmly.
“Yeah, until the school let Lysithea skip a few grades,” Sylvain complained bitterly.
“If you only applied yourself,” Dimitri chided.
Sylvain held up a hand. “Don’t even go there right now. It’s bad enough I hear that from my old man. I don’t need it from you too.”
Dedue rolled his eyes so only Dimitri could see. “Perhaps Leonie excels in athletics because she puts in the effort, he said mildly.
“She sure does,” Sylvain admitted begrudgingly. “It makes the rest of us, Felix excluded, look bad.” He grunted in annoyance. “Just once I’d like to beat one of Leonie’s scores. It’d make me feel better after all the suffering she’s put me through.”
A loud voice interrupted his musings. “All the suffering I’ve put you through? Please, if anything, you should be paying me damages.”
“Speak of the devil,” Sylvain muttered.
With crossed arms, Leonie scowled at Sylvain. “Remind me again who went around the entire high school asking girls to the prom only to leave me out?”
“Would you have said yes?”
“It’s the principle of the thing, Sylvain! A girl still likes to be asked! Just because I’m not your type doesn’t mean I’m not a woman.”
Sylvain’s eyes instantly went down to Leonie’s chest. “Yes. I, uh, can see that.”
Leonie huffed angrily and shoved him. “Jerk. You say that now, but I haven’t forgiven you for thinking I was a boy for all of middle school!”
“I said I was sorry!” Sylvain exclaimed. “And to be fair, you had short hair and went by Leo! What else was I supposed to think?”
Leonie scoffed. “Way to assume gender conventions, you sexist prick.”
“I was thirteen! And you weren’t exactly innocent in all this either, right Dimitri?” Sylvain turned, hoping his friend would support him. “Dimitri? Where’d you go?”
“He and Dedue left for class a while ago,” Leonie replied flatly. “Which is where you should be, isn’t it?”
“Shit.” He turned to sprint off towards his classroom. “We’ll finish this conversation later, Leonie.”
She sneered, continuing in the opposite direction. “Yeah, right.”
*
“So, uh, you and Dorothea, huh?” Sylvain asked Leonie, leaning against her athletics locker, watching her lace her running shoes. “If you need tips, I could—”
“Let me stop you right there,” Leonie snapped, standing up from her crouched position. “One; I am never going to ask you for dating tips, especially not about your exes. Two; Thea and I aren’t together anymore.”
“You’re not?” he asked, befuddled. “But why? Dorothea’s perfect.”
“She wants something long-term and I don’t,” Leonie said, shrugging. “It’s not that complicated.”
Sylvain smirked. “Why Leonie, I didn’t peg you as the love them and leave them type.”
She jeered. “Don’t put me on your level.”
“Hey!” he protested. She ignored his outburst.
“I kinda miss loser emo Sylvain from high school sometimes,” she mused out loud. “Jock playboy Sylvain is a downgrade.”
He made a face. “No one should be subjected to that phase ever again.”
“Why not?” Leonie laughed. “You were far more bearable channeling your drama through your clothes.”
“Yeah, well, the ladies prefer a clean-cut Sylvain,” he said, deflecting.
Leonie snickered. “Sure, they do.” She stretched her arms. “Ready to lose another record to me again today?”
“Pfft. You wish,” Sylvain retorted.
Leonie glanced sideways at him, smiling slyly. “Oh, and Sylvain?”
“What?”
“Dorothea preferred emo Sylvain.” She winked and left.
He gaped at her retreating form. “Is that why she dumped me?”
“No, it’s because you’re still a sexist prick!” Leonie retorted, laughing.
*
Not only did Leonie break another one of his track records, but he later found out that she had hooked up with Ingrid over the weekend. “Leonie, Ingrid? Really?” he asked, holding his hand to his chest in mock offense. “How could you do this to me? To us?”
“You’re being ridiculous again,” Ingrid replied, her eyes narrowing in annoyance. “Who I kiss is none of your business, Sylvain.” She roughly opened her textbook and pretended to study next to Felix on the couch.
“It sounded like a bit more than kissing was involved,” he teased.
Ingrid hit him in the arm. “Ew! Were you eavesdropping?”
“No! Of course not!” he protested. “…But I was in the room next door and you two were a bit loud.”
Ingrid flushed pink. “Oh my goddess!” You were Hilda’s “great lay?” That’s disgusting!” Ingrid rubbed her eyes. “I want to wash out my brain!” she cried.
“Listen, Ing, it wasn’t like I wanted to know what you were up to, either. Besides,” Sylvain chuckled awkwardly, “it wasn’t anything more than two lonely people finding release together.” He batted his eyelashes at her. “You can understand that, can’t you?”
“I didn’t need to know that!” she loudly groaned.
“And I didn’t need to overhear my best friend getting it on with my rival!”
“You’re just jealous because Leonie has better game than you on or off the field,” Ingrid retorted. “Stay out of my sex life. I can kiss whoever I want.”
“Then stay out of mine!”
She snapped her head up, irritated. “Only when you stop getting me involved in cleaning up your messes!”
“Just so you know, Leonie isn’t interested in commitment.”
Ingrid stood and poked her finger into his chest, aggravated. “Neither are you, but I don’t see how that’s relevant to my decisions. You’re not the only one who’s allowed to have experimental hookups, Sylvain.”
“Fine. Don’t take my advice.”
“I wasn’t going to.”
Sylvain leaned down into Ingrid’s face. “Fine.”
She stood on her tiptoes to be even closer, glaring at him. “Fine.”
“Would you two shut up already? I’m trying to study,” Felix groused, reminding them of his presence. “I am not going to fail Econ this semester, and you two are going to help me pass or die trying.”
“Why are we the ones who will die trying?” Sylvain asked, turning his head. Seeing his distraction, Ingrid returned to her seat.
“Shut up, Sylvain,” Felix replied.
*
“You can’t fail me on this paper, Professor! I need to pass this class,” Leonie protested. “I worked hard on this.”
“I can see that,” Manuela replied gently. “And I can also tell when a student doesn’t understand the material. Have you considered a tutor?”
“With what money?” Leonie mumbled, shrinking into herself subconsciously.
“Don’t worry about that, dear. A few of your classmates tutor for credit, not pay. Would you like a list?”
“Yes, please.”
“Excellent. I do recommend Ferdinand if he’s available. He thoroughly grasps the principles behind the lyrical compositions of the Bard.”
“Cool. Thanks, Professor.”
“You’re welcome, dear. Return this paper to me by the end of the week with corrections and I will adjust your grade.”
“I appreciate it, Professor Manuela.”
“Now shoo. I have a Theatre seminar to teach next.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Leonie went down the list, texting each number until she received a response. “Manuela, why isn’t your list updated with people’s names?” she complained under her breath, stomping down the stairs of the Drama department.
A few minutes later, a reply went through her cell phone. “Yo. I have time this afternoon if you can make it to the library.”
“That sounds great! Where in the library should we meet?”
“You know that private study room off the literature section?”
“Yeah.”
“See you there at two. Bring your sources and other materials and we’ll fix your paper.”
“Awesome. Thank you so much.”
Leonie hurried to her dorm to pick up her things and jogged to the library. She waved at her fellow Deer along the way, smiling at an obviously smitten Ignatz with his latest muse. “I can’t believe that was me last year,” Leonie giggled to herself. “I’m glad Ignatz has a more suitable model this semester.” She did miss their nights of passion after a long session of painting, but Leonie knew it was never going to last with Ignatz. Besides, she was far more interested in exploring women this year.
“I’m tired of boys and their stupid games,” Leonie muttered. “Give me a woman who speaks her mind any day.” Still, Leonie had to admit to herself that she liked looking at men, even if she didn’t want to date any of them.
She arrived at the library and headed to the arranged room. She spread her materials out on the table, sighing. “I wish this stuff made more sense,” she mumbled sadly. “Why do I have to take a stupid gen-ed anyway when I already know what I’m majoring in?”
A knock on the door drew her attention to the figure standing there. “Sylvain?” Leonie exclaimed.
“Leonie?”
“What are you doing here?” They asked each other.
*
After improving her grade in Manuela’s class, Leonie reluctantly gave Sylvain more acknowledgement in their interactions. Occasionally they exchanged friendly banter, to the amazement of their friends.
“I thought you hated him,” observed Lysithea, crunching around a mouthful of chips.
“He’s become tolerable lately,” Leonie replied. “He actually helped me pass Lit.”
“Huh.” Lysithea put her hand into a bowl of caramel popcorn. “I forget he’s smart sometimes.”
“Pretty sure that’s intentional,” Leonie observed, chuckling wryly. “It’s a shame he wastes that ability, honestly.”
“I think you challenge him to work harder in Calc. I mean, he’s given up on beating me for top grade, but I’ve noticed he actually tries to top your score.”
Leonie grinned. “It’s probably because that’s the only time he gets to beat me at anything.”
The two girls laughed hysterically. Wiping tears of mirth from her eyes, Leonie asked, “Are you going to invite Cyril to Homecoming?” Blushing, Lysithea shoved a handful of popcorn into her mouth. “I think you should. I bet he says yes.”
“And who are you taking?” Lysithea asked, refusing to rise to Leonie’s gentle teasing.
She shrugged. “Probably no one. I’ll hang out with Raphael after the game until we’re both drunk and make my way back here.”
“Well, um, don’t hurry too quickly, okay? In case Cyril does come with me, I mean.”
Leonie raised an eyebrow. “Lysithea, are you planning on shenanigans tomorrow night?”
Lysithea threw a pillow at Leonie. “Maybe.”
“Good for you. Text me to let me know.”
“I will.”
“You know where I keep the stuff, right?”
Lysithea turned maroon and squealed. “Oh my goddess, Leonie! Shut up!”
Leonie chuckled and pointed to a basket. “Just in case.”
“Go to bed, already!”
*
Sylvain could hear the raucous chanting of the football team as the group of sweaty men walked across campus to celebrate their recent win against Dagda. “Which party are they crashing tonight?” he wondered.
“Hey,” said a velvety voice. A hand waved in front of his face. “Where are you right now?”
“Sorry,” Sylvain said sheepishly. He returned his attention to his own surprise victory. “Are you thirsty?”
With a low chuckle, Claude drew Sylvain down to his lips. “Only for you.”
Returning his languid kiss, Sylvain laughed breathlessly. “No fair, using my own lines against me.”
“Gautier, quit bantering and show me that you’re worth my time.”
Sylvain groaned with desire and thought, “Glad I ditched Homecoming for this!”
*
“Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots!” chanted the football team as Leonie lifted her fifth glass in a salute, challenging her opponent Caspar. A buzzed Hilda giggled and encouraged him on. He grinned widely and slowly lifted the shot to his mouth. Caspar grimaced as the alcohol burned its way down his throat. Unsteadily, he sat the glass down. “That’s our boy!” Balthus yelled.
Leonie smirked, watching Caspar’s eyelids flutter groggily. She downed her shot expectantly, picking up another.
Caspar burped, making a face. “I don’t, uh, think I can,” he mumbled, eyeing the remaining glasses.
Shrugging, Leonie turned to the crowd. “Anyone want to take his place?” Raphael surged forward and Leonie shook her head. “Not you, Raph. Last time we did this, we both blacked out. And I don’t want a repeat of that.”
“Aw, come on, Leonie,” protested Raphael. “Just one shot?”
“Fine,” she relented. “One.”
*
The harsh sunlight peeked through the curtains as Leonie sluggishly woke up. She shoved at the weight on her chest. “Ugh, Raph. You’re heavy.”
A low grunt of complaint escaped her bedmate’s mouth as she moved him aside. Leonie wiped sleep from her eyes, taking note of how her body felt from the night’s partying. She nudged Raphael again. “Hey, Raph, get up.”
“What?”
“Did we black out again?”
“Mmm…no…”
“Then why did we fall asleep together?”
“Don’t you remember, Leonie?”
She sat still, trying to think. “Give me a minute. Do you remember?”
“I don’t think I could forget,” Raphael said, smiling.
Bits and pieces formed the memories of last night’s activities. Leonie blushed and covered her face.
“Hey, what are you getting embarrassed for?” Raphael asked, growing confused. “You were the confident one last night.”
“Alcohol can do that to you,” Leonie muttered. “I’m sorry, Raph.”
“Don’t be. I had fun.” He paused, furrowing his brow. “Didn’t you?” he asked worriedly.
Leonie sighed. “Yeah. I did. I just wish I hadn’t been drunk for it.”
He frowned. “Me either. Ma always said sex should be done sober.”
“We can pretend it didn’t happen, if you want.”
Shrugging, Raphael sat up. “It doesn’t matter to me.” He sighed, looking fondly at her. “I like you, Leonie, but I know I’m not the kind of guy you’re looking for.”
Leonie put a hand on his bare shoulder. “I like you too, Raph, but as a friend.” She slouched with guilt. “I’m sorry I don’t like you romantically.”
He smiled sweetly. “It’s okay. Don’t apologize. We both made a mistake.” He gave her a gentle hug. “I’d rather be friends anyway.”
She returned his hug. “You’re a good guy. You deserve the sweetest person in the world and I hope you find that someone soon.”
Raphael enveloped Leonie with his massive arms. “I want you to find happiness too.”
*
“Made you coffee,” Sylvain said, handing a mug to a shirtless Claude. “You prefer it black with cinnamon, right?”
“I didn’t think you noticed,” Claude replied, inhaling the smell appreciatively.
“Only when it matters,” Sylvain mumbled, blushing.
“Getting shy on me, Gautier?” Claude teased. “It’s not like you.”
“Neither was last night. I’m usually a ladies’ man. I don’t know how to date, I mean, romance, a guy,” Sylvain stammered. “I flirt but I don’t usually mean it or expect to be taken up on it.” He hung his head, ashamed. “Growing up in Faerghus, well, you know. It’s very traditional there.”
“You can say homophobic,” Claude replied cheekily. “I remember what you were like in high school.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Sylvain grumbled, covering his eyes. “Can’t we all forget that period?”
“You gave a lot of people a rough time then,” Claude reminded. “And you haven’t really demonstrated that you’ve changed.”
“I have! I mean, I think I have. I mean, last night wouldn’t have happened otherwise, right?”
“You’re cute when you’re like this,” Claude said, smirking.
“Does that mean you like me enough to go on a date this weekend?” Sylvain asked hopefully, raising his head.
“It means I’ll think about it,” Claude teased. “But only if you’re very good.”
“I’m always good,” Sylvain promised flirtatiously.
*
“How was your date?” Leonie asked Lysithea, gathering her track uniform from around her side of the room. She sniffed her jersey and wrinkled her nose. “Time to wash it,” she mumbled.
“It was really nice,” Lysithea said quietly, smiling.
Leonie’s face softened. “I’m glad.”
“What did you end up doing, anyway?”
A strange fit of coughing overcame Leonie as she remembered again. “Nothing worth repeating.”
“How many times must I tell you not to overdo it when you drink? You always wind up embarrassing yourself,” Lysithea scolded. “Your inhibitions are so low you’ll end up taking your clothes off in front of everyone one day!”
Leonie rolled her eyes. “I know my limits, mom.”
“Don’t get smart with me,” the younger woman snapped. “Remember that you’re here on scholarship and certain behavior will get that taken away from you!”
“They wouldn’t take mine away. I’m too valuable as an athlete,” Leonie replied confidently.
“Probably not,” Lysithea conceded. “But they could.” She grew quiet. “Other things could happen too, you know.”
“I know,” Leonie said somberly. “And I really do try to be careful. Raphael and I decided that since we share the same braincell when we party, one of us has to stay sober when the other one drinks.”
Mollified, Lysithea nodded. “That’s a good idea. I hope you stick to it.”
“Me too.” Leonie examined her running shoes, frowning. “Damn. I can’t afford to replace these, but I think I have to.”
“Didn’t you work over the summer to save for your equipment?”
“Yeah, but the price of everything went up, so I need to find something on campus to do or I’m in trouble.”
“Maybe Ingrid will know a place you can find your shoes for cheap,” Lysithea suggested.
“Good idea. I’ll ask her.”
“I hope you find something,” she said as Leonie began to leave the room. “Oh, and Leonie?”
“Yeah?”
Lysithea’s cheeks pinked slightly and she pointed to the curve of Leonie’s neck. “You have a hickey.”
“Damn it.”
*
“Hey, Leonie,” Sylvian greeted. “Nice bruise you have there.”
“Have you looked at yourself?” Leonie deadpanned.
Panicked, Sylvain hastily checked all over, only to realize Leonie was teasing him. “Funny.”
“Is Ingrid here yet? I have a question for her.”
“Are you planning to date her?” Sylvain blurted out.
“What? No.”
“Oh, good,” he sighed, relieved.
“Are you?”
“What? No.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“I know you two hooked up a while ago and I was curious, that’s all.”
“Turns out, she was more interested in the experience of kissing a girl than actually being with me,” Leonie said dryly. “That, and I think she has a crush on someone else.”
“Who?”
“Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you. You’re weirdly overprotective of her.”
“She’s like my sister,” Sylvain protested. “Well, if I had a sister.”
“Sylvain,” Leonie said, exasperated, “if you actually had a sister, you’d treat women better than you do.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’ve sworn off women for a while,” Sylvain said.
“Oh?” Leonie snickered. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“You’ll see after practice,” he replied smugly. “My boyfriend is picking me up. Anyway, what did you need Ingrid for?”
“I wanted to know if she knew of a good cheap shoe store,” Leonie explained. She held up her running shoes, showing Sylvain the soles. “Mine are already worn down.”
“Are those your only pair?”
“Not all of us can afford to buy a new one whenever we want, Sylvain.”
“That’s not what I meant, Leonie,” he replied, fighting to keep annoyance out of his tone. “The school is supposed to supply our track gear, including our shoes.”
“They are?” Leonie’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Shoes weren’t on the equipment list this year.”
“They weren’t?”
“No.”
“Let’s ask coach. She’ll sort it out. And if it turns out that they aren’t covered, I’ll buy you a pair.”
“I can’t let you do that.”
“Sure you can. You worked at my family’s stables over the summer, didn’t you?”
“What’s that have to do with it?”
“You took care of a horse with a broken leg when my father would have put it down. The horse you saved ended up being a profitable stud for next year’s stock. My father probably owes you money for this and he wouldn’t give it to you because he’s a stingy bastard. So let me repay you in shoes.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. That horse is worth more than shoes, Leonie. I can pay you an actual bonus if you want.”
“I didn’t do it for that.”
“I know. You did it for the horse. And that matters to me.” Sylvain clapped Leonie on the back. “Come on. Let’s get this mess figured out.”