Can I Stay the Night?
ch.i - ch. ii - ch. iii - you are here!
A/N: The last chapter for our first book. I needed to reorganize some things. I am so sorry it took so long... I hope you enjoy.
tags: Ruggie Bucchi x fem!reader, fwb situtationship wc: 3.2k+
The sun came pouring into the room. Leaving a warm glow in your bedroom as you scrunched your eyes tiredly. You sat up slowly with a languid stretch. Your joints popped softly as the blanket began to slide down your mostly nude body. You allowed a soft yawn to pass your lips. You could see small dust particles floating through the room as you sniffled. You would have to clean the fireplace soon.
The hyena was gone, and you started to recall last night's events. After your shared bath, Ruggie led you back to bed and told you he would leave once you fell asleep. You dressed yourself in a large pajama shirt and laid with him beside you. It was some of the best sleep you ever had.
His arm was tucked under your head. The faint scent of coffee helped soothe you to sleep as you drifted off to the rhythmic thud of his heartbeat. You liked it more than you thought. The act of care made you confused. Your relationship between you and Ruggie has changed. Even if the two of you agreed out loud that it didn’t.
You rubbed at your eyes as you looked at the nightstand for your phone. Beside it was a glass of water, a small, foil tray with a single pill, and a note folded neatly in half. You took the pill with a sense of urgency as your brain started to catch up with your body. You knew what it was for. Hopefully you can take this before eating. You squeezed your eyes shut as you took multiple sips of water to get the pill down. Once the glass of water was finished, you grabbed the note and unfolded it.
There was a smile crossing your lips as you sat back against your pillows. There was a hasty pen drawing of you and him as stick figures holding hands. Ruggie’s tail was wagging as you kissed him on the cheek in the drawing. Your eyes scanned over the paper, admiring the swirls of his r’s and the curves of his b’s etched into the page in black ink.
He apologized for leaving so early in the morning, but he had a good time and hoped you did too. He made you breakfast and left it in the oven for you with plastic wrap, and that you should take the pill after you eat to avoid being nauseous. Your thumb rubbed over his signature at the bottom with the smile fading from your face.
So, you should have eaten before taking pill. Too late now.
You could picture Ruggie’s busy body walking through your dorm in silence. Tail swishing as he left everything for you and flew away on his broom via the window he generously shut on his way out. You folded the note shut with a sigh. You did want to tell him good morning. You wanted to see him before he left, to make sure he got back to Savanaclaw safely. And maybe a kiss too. The only thing keeping you company now were the birds chirping and a small choir of crickets.
You slipped out of bed with a frown as you walked around the room to find a pair of sweatpants to put on. Your phone pinged and you rushed over to check the message. Your heart fluttered with hope and expectation it was from Ruggie. To your disappointment, it was not. It was a text from Epel asking if you still had plans to study together that afternoon.
In all honesty you weren’t in the mood. You had a lot to process. But you also didn’t feel comfortable being so open about your newly budding sex life.
You responded, saying you were good to go. With a final stretch of your arms above your head; you got ready for the day. You rubbed at your eyes, finding something casual to wear, and you left the room to brush your teeth and wash your face. You didn’t need to shower since you and Ruggie took care of that hours ago. Your hair and skin still smelled of the soap you shared.
Once you freshened up, you trekked down the hall to the room Grim slept in last night. You hesitated, leaning in close to listen for the sound of his voice. You were met with silence. “Grim?” You called out to him, and you were met with more silence. You didn’t bother knocking as you let yourself into the room. Peering around as you spotted him curled up underneath a set of thick, blue blankets. He was snoring softly as he hugged the white pillow. You almost didn’t want to wake him.
It’s not like you would be busy today. And it was the weekend. Grim could sleep in a few hours more. You would make sure he got up at least before you left to your study session with Epel. You leaned over and kissed the top of Grim’s head. Watching his nose twitch before you left and closed the door a crack. That way he wouldn’t have trouble getting in and out of the room.
You made your way down the stairs with a soft yawn. The ghosts wished you good morning as they were on their way back to the underworld. They had errands to run. You didn’t know ghosts had errands… But, before leaving, they told you that Ruggie had left you a plate in the oven before leaving in a hurry.
They tried prying for the details on your slumber party they had not been made aware of. You quickly brushed them off saying that it wasn’t their business. The pout on your lips and bashful glances at the floor were enough for them to take a hint. Instead, they wanted a full review on if the Beastman was a good cook or not when they got back tonight.
You entered the kitchen. There was a faint scent of something sweet coming from the oven. A smile tugged at the corners of your mouth as you cracked open the oven door. Peering inside, you saw a ceramic plate sitting on the top rack. It was covered in plastic wrap. It was a stack of fluffy pancakes. Upon closer inspection as you retrieved them, they were formed into a heart shape with a pat of melted butter on top and sliced strawberries.
Ruggie must have used magic to make them last longer. They still felt warm as you pulled away the plastic. Your stomach growled as a sudden wave of bittersweetness flooded your senses. You didn’t think the act of kindness was very friendly. It felt like more. You drizzled them in syrup and ate in silence. They were the right amount of sweet. The strawberries were fresh and firm. You couldn’t help but exhale as you scrolled through your phone and eyed Ruggie’s contact. It was still a plain grey bubble. You had yet to update his contact with a nickname or icon. But now you wondered if it was best to leave it that way.
Afternoon rolled around and Grim had woken up on his own accord. He would be in charge of holding down Ramshackle while you went to study with Epel. “Why do you smell like that?” Grim asked with a frown. His tail flicked as he pressed his paws against your leg, rubbing his face against the denim with a frown. “Smell like what? You mean my perfume?” You had dabbed a little perfume on your wrists and behind your ears. You didn’t think it smelled bad.
But Grim is a direbeast. He had a better sense of smell than you did. “Not that girly stuff. You smell like that rotten thief.” The scoff made your stomach sink as you paused. You were in the process of searching your closet for a jacket or a sweatshirt. But the comment needed your attention way more. “Uhhh... I think that’s just my perfume.” On the inside; you were already screaming and punching yourself. You should have known you would smell like Ruggie. Maybe the second bath would have saved your skin.
Grim was frowning still. “He has that funk! I know that smell. He’s all over you.” Grim snapped, his voice accusatory as you started to replay last night in your mind. Ruggie was all over you. His hips connected with yours. His tongue pressing messily against your flesh. In the most intimate way possible the beastman did mark you with his scent. As a human you didn’t think about it.
“Well yesterday we were in class together. That’s probably what it is.” You started shuffling through your jackets again, grabbing a black zip up to sling over your shoulders. When you looked down at Grim, you knew that you couldn’t bullshit him. His little mouth parted. You could see the rows of sharp teeth before he closed his mouth and looked away from you. “The great Grim is going to check the perimeter...” He grumbled as his paws were balled into little fists. He sauntered his way out of the room. Grim looked ridged; the flames on his ears looked larger.
It wasn’t your intent to upset him. You didn’t know what to say. And last night wasn’t something you could explain to Grim. You didn’t know how old the Grim is. Nor if he had any comprehension to what sexual intimacy means or entails. And you didn’t see yourself as someone qualified enough to explain the birds and the bees.
When you finished gathering your things, you left Ramshackle quietly. You watched as Grim marched around the dorm as you locked the iron gate behind you. The ghosts had returned and waved you off as you made your way down the dirt path. Your books in your arms, your phone in your back pocket.
Having sex isn’t a bad thing. Grim not liking Ruggie is his own issue. You liked Ruggie. In a friend way of course. So whatever Grim smelled you could explain later. You and Ruggie were close as friends. You smelled like him because you guys sat next to one another. That’s all. Grim would have to believe you whether he wanted to or not.
Out of frustration; you kicked a small rock that was in your way. Groaning and grumbling under your breath as you made your way to the library. The sky was bright blue. Littered with puffy white clouds that knocked into one another and took on new shapes with every passing minute. The sun was shining and there was a cool September breeze. It was a nice day. That little hiccup with Grim wouldn’t ruin it.
As you got closer to your destination, you saw a familiar face. Epel waved to you at the entrance to the library. He was wearing casual clothes as well. White shoes, dark blue jeans, and a crimson red sweater with a band of matching green apples across the front of his chest. He had his books tucked under his left arm as you got closer with a small wave of your own. “I’m sorry! Were you waiting long?” You asked as Epel shook his head. “Oh nah, I just got here.” You could hear his accent dipping in and out of his sentence.
Even after Vil moved on to his internship, you could see that Epel took all his lessons to heart. The two of you entered the library. It was quiet. A few students were scattered around the building. Lingering and searching for the books they needed. One student was trying to catch a book floating in the air. You silently wished him the best.
You nodded in the direction of the staircase, and Epel followed behind you. “Thanks for studyin’ with me.” You could hear Epel’s smile as you shook your head. “No problem. You’re my friend I wouldn’t leave you hanging.” You assured him as you reached the second floor. It was quieter the higher and higher you went in the building. On the rare occasion you had the strength to climb; you would read in peace with Grim in your lap on the 5th floor.
The two of you found a small table and sat in a pair of dark blue cushioned chairs. You felt a little guilty now. This morning you rolled your eyes in annoyance at the thought of cracking open your books. But now you were thrilled to get out of Ramshackle. It would be a great distraction from the men, or beasts, in your life. “Astrology right?” You asked and Epel nodded. “And if you have any notes for our test in Alchemy? I’ll trade what I have with you.” He offered as the two of you laid out your materials and got to work.
The study session was more than productive. The two of you would occasionally burst into small fits of giggles. Quieting down, fearing the librarian's wrath. You filled out page after page worth of notes, and you and Epel took a break every hour to rest your wrists and relax your minds. It was a little after 3pm now. You and Epel had taken another short break. You were scrolling MagiCam as Epel was visiting the vending machines to get you, and himself a snack.
You spotted another post from Leona. Your eyes widened when you looked at the expansive library. Again, there was no caption. But there were a ton of likes. You dug the toes of your shoes into the flooring as you liked the post. You decided to peek at the comments as well. You saw some familiar names and accounts. Rook had an extremely long poem that you couldn’t help but snort at. It was nice that he didn’t change, even if you didn’t see him anymore. As you scrolled down farther, you noticed some accounts you had not seen before.
Online strangers sending heart emojis and fawning over Leona. Even if he wasn’t in frame. You felt a little jealous. Even if you shouldn’t be. You aren’t dating Leona, you never were. Your eyebrows knit together in annoyance as you swiped away from the post. There was now a sour taste in your mouth. “I’m back!” Epel called out as he reached your table again. In his hands was a small can of coffee. “Thank you.” You smiled up at him as you popped the aluminum tab.
The scent made your eyes widen. It was familiar. A warmth bloomed in your cheeks as you inhaled the smell of coffee again. When Ruggie came into your room, you remembered the same scent on his breath. Epel was already seated, eating an apple flavored protein bar as he finished copying the notes from your notebook into his own.
You gave the coffee a cautious sip this time. Your eyebrows furrowed as the memories of last night started flooding back to you. The taste was the same from his tongue. “Ruggie?” You murmured as you sipped again.
“Huh? What’d you say?” Epel asked as he looked up at you in confusion. You paused and lowered the can quickly. Moving it to the side of the table as you scrambled to shut your textbook. “Oh! Uh… I’m tired.” You responded as you waved a hand dismissively. “Ignore me.” You knew you were acting suspicious. You probably looked insane. “We’ve been at it for three hours now. I think it’s fine if we call it a day! I’m gettin’ tired too.” He didn’t mind stopping for the afternoon. You didn’t either.
You grabbed all your books, and the two of you headed down the stairs. “Your notes really saved my hide, I ain’t notice how much I missed.” Epel chuckled sheepishly as the two of you left the library. It was a little cooler now. The wind lapped at your cheeks as you flinched from the sudden cold. “It’s so hard to pay attention in class now that we’re back. Being on break and suddenly having to go back and immediately take a test?” You rolled your eyes. Your shoulders sagging as you dreaded all of the welcome back quizzes you would have to take. “Oh, lemme walk you back! Jus’ so I know ya made it safe.” Epel offered with a smile.
You could see a twinge of red in his cheeks. “Oh you don’t have to. I know you’re-” “No, I insist.” Epel pushed and you reluctantly nodded. Epel is your friend. He has been since you met last year. But there were times you saw him less as being friendly and more like a lost dog following you around. Being the only girl on campus and single has put you into some awkward situations you struggled to get out of alone.
Usually Grim would be at your side telling everyone to buzz off or get burnt. A few times Leona has played the valiant role of your knight in shining armor. And of course Ruggie and Jack were close to lend you a hand. Epel was just trying to be nice. You knew that deep down. But you couldn’t shake the feeling that he had intentions outside of being friends. The walk was mostly quiet with the occasional quiet banter.
With your books tucked comfortably under your arm, you sipped at your coffee with a quiet murmur. “Y’know,” Epel started to speak the closer you got to the Ramshackle gate. “it sucks that you’re in the third year classes. I feel like everyone misses you.” Epel joked with a small laugh.
“No that’s not true.” You rolled your eyes as you peered into the can. “You guys just want to call me old and mess with me.” There was a little bit of coffee left at the bottom. “I wouldn’t. If we shared classes I mean.” You could feel your stomach sinking as you got closer and closer to the gate. “I mean Ace and Deuce would.” You shrugged as you grabbed the latch. “I can-” Before Epel could finish, Grim came running down the path towards you.
“Where have you been?! I’m starving! You said it would only be a little while!” Grim was scolding you as you let yourself into the yard. You silently thanked Grim for interrupting the conversation. You could sense Epel’s disappointment. “Thanks for walking me back.” You offered him a small smile, watching as the teen immediately perked up. “Yeah! Of course, always.” He sputtered. His cheeks became redder as you closed the gate and waved goodbye.
Grim walked on two legs beside you on your way up to the dorm. “I told you was going to study at the library remember?” You spoke softly to Grim as he flicked his tail in irritation. “I should’ve gone with you.” He grumbled as he rested a paw on your leg. His little claws dug into the fabric like he was clinging to you. After the awkward interaction with Epel; you did wish that you brought Grim along.
“What do you want for lunch?” You asked as you opened the door for you and Grim. You weren’t hungry. The caffeine was plenty. At least for now.
