They can have the world,we'll create our own

Let me help you,idiot!

"Your uniform looks too big on you."Leona said,casually.

Even though it bugged him since Ruggie got it.Now,Leona's compassion didn't stretch far.It stopped at his sister in law and occasionally,Cheka.Though the latter only occurred in very specific circumstances.However,seeing Ruggie trip over himself near constantly was just depressing and only funny the first few times.

The hyena turned,pulled his pants up and continued on with his business around Leona's room.

"Did you not hear me?"

Ruggie rolled his eyes.He knew that Leona knew he had heard.And he also knew very well what was about to be suggested.Leona could get him a better fitting uniform.And it would only make the rumors swirling around Savannaclaw ten times worse.

From everyone's perspective,Leona had seeked him out for a private chat his first night here.And every morning since that night,Ruggie has come to his room first thing in the morning and last thing before bed with money in his pocket.As far as everyone else here was concerned,he was getting railed.

Now,Ruggie was fine with that.He was getting paid and if they thought he was fucking the prince,he was gonna claim the bragging rights for all they were worth.Even Leona's family finding out didn't particularly worry him.After all,if his previous relationship was so hush hush that even he,who'd worked for rich people on a regular basis,didn't hear a word about it or the break up who's to say their supposed "affair" would ever go public?

But it was one thing to do a service and get paid for it.That's just good work.It was another entirely to get gifts.In Savannaclaw,preferential treatment meant you couldn't rough it out on your own.And Ruggie was the poster child of roughing it out.He had a reputation,for the Seven's sake.

Ok,maybe it was mostly in his own head,but still.And if anyone from back home found out..

He can already imagine how betrayed they'd all feel,the insults they'd throw his way.Whore and sellout would probably be top picks there.

Payment was a work relationship.Gifts...That'd be fraternizing.That would imply he was close with the royals that made their lives a living hell.And as pragmatic as Ruggie was he wouldn't stoop that low.

"Absolutely not."
"So,that's a no on the swimming pool then?"

The..Huh?

"What?"he asked,turning towards Leona,who was smirking.

The ass.

"You just wanted to see if I was paying attention,didn't you?"
"Yup.You kinda just zoned out,so I wanted to check if you weren't astral projecting or some crap like that."
"Thank you for your concern,your highness.But I assure you I'm fine."
"Didn't seem like it."

Why does he have to pull this shit on him now?

"Respectfully,I don't think it's your business."
"Actually,since you're a member of my dorm,it is.And since I'm such a good dormhead I'm offering to help you."

Now,there was a couple responses Ruggie could give.Mostly retaining to how bullshit that claim of being a good dormhead was,with Leona barely even doing the damn job in the first place.But,bootlicking has kept him alive and he wasn't looking for a death sentence these days any more than he was any other day of his life.

So he just gave an "Aha." and moved on.

"Besides,if you trip,you could break something."
"A valuable of yours?"
"No,your bones,dumbass!"
"Look,I..I just can't accept a gift.Not from you."
"Why?"

Ugh.Rich people and their ignorance sometimes.

"I don't think you'd get it."

He expected Leona to be upset by that.Maybe growl a little,mutter a quick "ungrateful" under his breath.But he didn't do that.He just shifted on his bed with a shrug.