SIDE STORY (8)

The castle halls felt strangely quiet.

Arthur and Elliot would be leaving tomorrow, and Leo felt something heavy in his chest.

"I don't want you to go yet," Leo muttered, fidgeting with his hands as he sat on his bed.

Elliot, sitting across from him, tilted their head. "I have to. Father says it's important."

Leo pouted.

He didn't like this feeling.

So-

He decided to do something about it.

________________________________________

That night, Leo worked hard.

With Alex's help, he crafted two necklaces.

Each one had a small, round pendant-a delicate engraving of a lion and a sun. The lion for Leo. The sun for Elliot.

A matching set.

So that even when they were apart, they'd still have something connecting them.

The next morning, as Elliot stood near the castle gates, ready to leave-

Leo ran up to them.

"Here!" Leo shoved a necklace into Elliot's hands. "So you don't forget me."

Elliot blinked down at it-then slowly smiled.

"I won't forget you, Leo."

Elliot reached into their pocket-

And pulled out a small handkerchief.

White, embroidered with gold thread.

They pressed it into Leo's hands.

"This is for you."

Leo's eyes widened.

"You made this?"

Elliot nodded.

Leo clutched the fabric tightly.

Sebastian and Arthur watched nearby.

Sebastian crossed his arms, watching Leo sulk. "He looks just like me when I'm in a bad mood, doesn't he?"

Arthur smirked. "Unfortunately for you? Yes."

Alex stifled a laugh.

Sebastian sighed. "Great. Another one of me."

________________________________________

Leo looked up at Elliot, hesitating.

Then, in a small voice, he asked-

"Will you come back?"

Elliot gazed at him for a moment.

Then-

They smiled.

"We'll meet again soon."

Leo's pout deepened-but at those words, he brightened just a little.

Elliot stepped into the carriage beside Arthur.

As it rolled away-

Leo clutched the handkerchief in one hand and his necklace in the other.

And despite his sulking, he knew.

They would meet again.