#cueist

The manor gardens were quiet, beautiful in their serenity after the chaos of the day’s matches. Marcus stood near the edge of the fountain, tail swaying nervously behind him, ears twitching at every distant footstep. In his hands was a small basket, not with cues or spheres, but with an assortment of snacks he had painstakingly assembled: fruit, a bit of pastry, and even a tiny thermos of tea he insisted on bringing.

You approached, smiling at the sight of him in a plain shirt rather than the sharp vest and tie he usually wore in the hall.

“You really went all out,” you teased.

Marcus’s ears flattened shyly. “I… wanted this to be nice. No competitions. Just… us.” His tail twitched, brushing against your ankle as he raised the basket in his arms, offering it to you. “I hope… it’s alright.”

He led you to a shaded bench near the fountain. Sunlight dappled across his mane of hair and the faint golden fur on his ears. He poured the tea with care, then gestured for you to sip first. “One must always serve their guest before themselves,” he said, voice soft but playful.

You laughed. “Such a gentleman.”

Marcus’s ears twitched again at the praise, tail flicking in embarrassment. He settled beside you, careful not to crowd you, but close enough that your shoulders brushed. “I… like this,” he murmured, watching the water ripple. “Not the matches, not the cheering… just this. You. Quiet. Simple.”

As you shared the pastries, he picked up a stray flower from the grass and tucked it behind your ear, grinning sheepishly. “I… might be a bit clumsy outside the hall,” he admitted. “But I promise, I… try.”

You leaned against him lightly, feeling the warmth of his lion side—the solid, protective presence that seemed to grow even gentler in moments like these. He shifted slightly, curling his tail around your waist, a subtle display of affection that made your chest warm.

“And you’re silly,” you said softly. “But… I like that about you.”

He blinked, startled for a moment, before a slow, shy grin spread across his face. “Silly… hm. Perhaps,” he admitted, ears flattening again as his tail twitched.

The sun dipped lower, golden light glinting off the fountain. Marcus lifted a hand, brushing it against yours. “Shall we… just stay like this a little longer?” he asked, voice low.