WLWES 18

“Fine…”

“Really? Are you sure?”

Rio reluctantly agreed, making it clear that he wasn’t keen on the idea.

Not seeming to notice Rio’s mood, Gideon moved closer. His eyes sparkled despite his extremely tired face, and he looked genuinely excited about the plan, contrasting heavily with Rio’s uncertainty. He grabbed Rio by both shoulders, almost as if to hug him.

“That’s a relief, thank you! The bed’s plenty big, so it should be fine. And don’t worry, I’m a heavy sleeper. I won’t bother you when you sleep.”

“…Is that so,” Rio replied in a dull, flat voice.

Rio’s shoulders hurt where Gideon had gripped him with his large hands.

I know your bed is spacious, and you are a pretty heavy sleeper, but still, he had hugged me both the previous times we had slept together. Coincidence? I think not. I don’t really like it. It makes it uncomfortable to sleep because I can’t really breathe with the way he squeezes me in my sleep.

However, in front of Rio, all he could see was Gideon, with the largest grin on his face he had ever seen. Gideon quickly poured himself another glass of sake and downed it all in one gulp. To anyone else, Gideon might have appeared to be wearing his usual cold mask, but only Rio recognized that smile for what it genuinely was.

“Well, shall we go to bed. You just recovered from an illness, so you must be very tired from riding all day long.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty exhausted,” Rio confirmed.

Rio nodded without protest and stood up. There was no point in hesitating after he had already agreed. They were sleeping together. Fine. It was whatever.

Gideon stood up and climbed into bed first. Rio followed, bringing An in his arms and laying her down on the opposite side of the bed from Gideon.

“Is it okay for An to sleep with us too?” Rio asked.

“Yeah. But won’t you feel squashed over there?”

“It’s okay. I’m a heavy sleeper too.”

“…I see.” Gideon seemed to pause momentarily as Rio spoke with a smile. Although Rio found it odd, he didn’t dwell on it as he lay down.

“I’m really tired, so I think I’m going to fall asleep pretty soon. I might even fall asleep before you, is that okay?”

“I don’t mind. But Rio, in the morning, you don’t have to get up before me.”

“Huh, is that really okay? Um, I got it. Then.. goodnight, Gideon.”

“Goodnight. From now on, I’ll be counting on you.”

“Mhm…” Rio replied with a sleepy voice.

So much had happened these past few days. Even though he hadn’t used magic or done anything physically demanding, he’d had a fever and was mentally drained. Before his hand could even reach An to pet her, Rio had already slipped into a deep sleep.

Then he had a dream about when he used to live in a village. There weren’t many children there, but there was a boy about Rio’s age named Deck. He had the same blonde hair and red eyes as Rio. They often played together and practiced magic. Rio had been stronger, but Deck wasn’t far behind.

They had promised to protect the village together when they grew up, but one day, Deck suddenly disappeared. Though the memories of that day were vague, he still vividly recalled the sight of Deck’s mother crying and screaming.

The painful memory that he had buried deep in his heart for so long resurfaced, and Rio opened his eyes. He clutched his chest and looked around with relief. This wasn’t that day. This wasn’t that village. He was in the Wolf Lord’s castle, in Gideon’s room, in Gideon’s bed… with Gideon… right next to him…

“…Why?”

Rio exhaled quietly. Again. This is the third time now. What was going on? Isn’t it enough to just sleep together? Why is he holding me like this? It’s always so hard to breathe.

Muttering complaints under his breath, Rio realized his body was held tightly in Gideon’s strong arms. Gideon was sleeping deeply. His breathing was slow and steady. He looked so peaceful.

Rio tried to move out of Gideon’s arms but quickly gave up, knowing it was impossible. Besides, looking at Gideon’s sleeping face made him feel bad about moving and waking him.

“He did say he has insomnia and can’t sleep at all, but now he’s out like a light… I guess I’m useful for something… But still, damn it… let go already..”

Gideon’s arms were heavy because of his large muscular build. Not only were they over him, but he hugged Rio with considerable strength, pressing his face against his chest and making it hard to breathe, which made him feel uncomfortable.

How did I even fall asleep like this? I am truly amazing, Rio thought to himself ad he gave up on escaping Gideons large arms and instead decided to quietly observe Gideons sleeping face. The long eyelashes that framed his lowered eyelids, like his hair, looked blue in the light filtering in through the gap in the curtains.

“Black is really cool… I’m proud of my blonde hair because it was a gift from my mother, but still, black is nice, too.”

He found himself mumbling as his hand reached out. Gideon’s hair looked coarse but felt surprisingly soft under his fingertips. It reminded him of An’s fur. That thought made him laugh.

“You’re enjoying yourself.”

The deep voice startled him.

Rio jerked his hand back and quickly apologized. “Sorry!”

“Why apologize?”

“Uh… I touched your hair without asking.”

“I don’t really care. I told you to sleep in, but you’re up already. Good morning.”

“Morning. I’m just naturally an early riser, I guess. Can’t help it.”

“I see, but that’s a good thing.”

Ah, he smiled. Rio found himself staring at Gideon, captivated. But when Gideon still didn’t let go of him, Rio protested.

“Hey, I said I’d sleep with you, but I didn’t agree to be this close.”

“…Huh? Ahhhh…!”

Gideon suddenly froze at Rio’s words, then shot back like he’d just realized the situation for the first time. He sprang away from Rio and scrambled to the other end of the bed.

Rio stared blankly. Wait, what? You’re the one who was holding me, so why are you surprised? Was that… unconscious? You unconsciously held me? What the hell… that’s kind of scary.

“Sorry…”

“Well, I mean, it’s fine, but next time, could you loosen your grip a bit? It’s hard to breathe.”

“It’s not fine. You said you weren’t into men. And yet, I did something inappropriate.”

“It’s okay. You apologized, and I accepted it, so it’s over now. So, did you sleep well?”

As Gideon, clearly flustered, scratched his head and tried to get out of bed, Rio propped himself up and asked. Gideon lowered his hand and nodded deeply.

“I slept well. My head feels so much clearer. It’s thanks to you, Rio. I’m truly grateful.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’m happy I could help. But hey, if you ever stop being able to sleep, feel free to fire me right away, alright?”

“No, actually… I’d like you to stay by my side for the rest of my life.”

“Wait, no way, that’s…”

“Woof!”

An suddenly jumped onto Rio’s lap, looking up at him with her big eyes and wagging her tail. She was unbearably cute.

“She’s the one who’s going to be by my side for the rest of my life,” Rio said.

“Woof!” she responded.

Rio picked An up and rubbed their noses together, giggling when An licked his chin. Then, a strange chill ran down his spine.

Sensing the odd atmosphere, he gently set An on the floor and looked up. Standing beside the bed, arms crossed, Gideon was staring at him.

Huh? Is he… mad?

“What is it? Do you have something to say?” Rio asked.

“Do you hate the idea of staying by my side?” Gideon replied.

“What’s that supposed to mean? You’re going to get married someday, right?”

“Yeah… probably.”

“Then you should say things like that to her. Don’t say that out loud. It can easily give people the wrong idea.”

“The wrong idea?”

“Saying stuff like ‘stay with me forever.’ That’s what you say to a lover. Do you like me or something?”

“I mean, if it’s between like or dislike… I do like you. But as a person.”

“Yeah, same here. I feel the same. I’ll stay by your side as much as I can for your health, but if you ever get a girlfriend or a wife, I’ll move out.”

“…I see.”

Wait. Now he looks depressed. Why? Seriously, I don’t get this guy…

Even though Gideon was the infamous Wolf Lord, Rio had never once seen him truly angry.

I’ve probably acted pretty rudely toward him at times, but I’ve never actually seen him get mad. He seems smart and observant enough not to get worked up over silly things. This means that if he were to get angry, it would probably be terrifying.

As those thoughts ran through his head, Rio fell silent. Gideon said nothing either, possibly lost in his own thoughts too. The heavy awkwardness made Rio squirm…

Then, his stomach let out a loud, unmistakable growl.

“Ah…”

“Haha!” Gideon laughed, genuinely amused.

Rio rubbed his stomach in reflex but looked up in surprise at the sound of laughter. Gideon was laughing, actually laughing, with his mouth wide open and everything.