(1) In the early days of Leo/Hinoka's relationship things proceed as usual with them hating each other at first until they come to understand how the other works. This time however due to the trauma Leo's undergone regarding his mother's manipulations so he has a hard time trusting anybody much less letting his love for them be known Leo doesn't confess his feelings to Hinoka in their S-Support as usual at least not yet.
(2) Hinoka on the other hand because she’s never been in love before much less feeling like it’s a good idea to even consider loving Leo due to the tensions between their countries still tries to keep her feelings to herself. Unfortunately one day because of this Leo overhears her say to someone (up to you who exactly this is) that she really doesn’t like him that much not understanding that she had meant not as a lover instead (even though she really does)
(3) Things of course get terribly awkward between the two of them with Leo going back to his usual insufferable genius self only worse around Hinoka where he may act cordial to her but underneath they both know he’s clearly only tolerating her for the sake of the war. Hurt Hinoka is confronted by Camilla who’s noticed the ill behavior between her little brother and the girl she’s adopted as another little sister.
(4) Camilla then explains the whole sordid history behind the concubine wars making it very clear to Hinoka that the only reason she hasn’t destroyed her for hurting her brother’s trust that badly thus far is because of their own friendship and because she suspects that Hinoka does care for Leo greatly despite their rough start. Deeply tormented by what she’s learned about the Nohr siblings history and how they find it hard to give love after what they’ve gone through Hinoka is troubled.
(5) During the battle with Garon Hinoka gets in the way of his axe trying to protect Leo and ends up severely damaging her leg. Leo really can’t keep up his cold facade anymore after that especially after the Nohr siblings lose their father a second time to Anokos. It’s rather hard to hold a grudge when the one you love nearly dies protecting you.
(6)They end up talking while Hino recovers apologizing for their mutual stupidity promising to take the relationship carefully since neither of them has experience in relationships & they don’t want to hurt each other again carelessly since they both care about each other so much.
this was SUCH good read bless u mira
