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2:00 a.m
Leone awoke to the sound of a wretched beast screaming just outside of the estate’s door.
He had fallen asleep in the library, his candle having melted all the way down to the chamberstick. He had placed it on the table nearest to the cushioned window seat, so that he could keep an eye out for his employer while he read a book. Said book was now on the floor, having gotten thrown from his chest as he jolted upright.
Why was that damn horse being so loud?
He turned to look out of the large window, the bright moonlight reflecting off of the fallen snow. It made it harder to see out at the landscape, but the visage of Macaron was easy to see… as well as the slumped-over form of Bruno Buccellati on her back.
Oh fuck.
Leone forewent his coat as he ran out off the estate, worry for Bruno overriding his fear of equine. Macaron had approached him, still whinnying, but allowed him to pull Bruno off of her saddle and into his arms.
‘Shit. He’s ice cold!’ Leone thought, cradling the lethargic man closer into his embrace before heading back into the estate, this time screaming like a banshee, (he knew Fugo would have his head but there were more important things to worry about right now).
“FUGO, NARANCIA, MISTA! WAKE UP!” Leone carried Bruno into the parlor, kicking aside the chairs in front of the fireplace, kneeling down to replace them with Bruno.
“Jesus Christ, Abbacchio, what is wrong with you? It’s 2 in the-“ Fugo had started angrily, before being cut off by Narancia
“Why is Macaron in the hallway? Did Bruno try to bring her in during the storm?”
“What’s going on? Who’s dying?” Mista yawned, pulling on a robe, “Jesus, it’s cold.”
“EVERYONE QUIET!” Leone barked, still holding Bruno in his arms, “Bruno’s hypothermic. Mista, prepare some soup for when he wakes up. Narancia, take Macaron to her stable. Fugo, grab some blankets. We need to get his temperature up.”
“Damn- right away!” Mista ran off.
“Uh- sure. I just need to grab my coats,” Narancia lingered by the door for a moment, keeping his eyes on Bruno before taking his leave.
Fugo stayed put, anxiously shifting from foot to foot, “What happened?”
“I haven’t got a clue,” Leone grabbed a cushion from one of the chairs, “I woke up to Macaron screaming just outside of the estate. It seems to me like he got caught in the snowstorm.”
Fugo hummed, watching Leone maneuver Bruno onto his back before lighting a fire in the hearth, the room becoming brighter with the flickering flames.
“Fugo, the blankets, please.” Leone took Bruno back into his arms, holding him close.
“Why are you holding him?”
“Body heat,” Leone replied simply, “I was a nurse for a few months. Just- get me some blankets! And a fresh change of clothes, these are damp.”
Fugo scoffed softly, leaving the two in the room in front of the fire. Leone began to shuffle Bruno’s coat off, (ignoring the fact that he was only dressed in a day shirt, trousers, and shoes), and set it near the fire to dry in a heap.
“Mh. Already to the undressing stage, are we?” A soft croaky voice spoke, “…Could heat me up.”
“…Bruno. Matteo. Buccellati.” Leone grit out, gripping Bruno tight, “Have you lost your mind?”
“I-“
“Going out before a snowstorm, very ill prepared mind you, and not letting any of us know? You could have frozen to death!”
“But I-“
“And don’t you dare say, ‘but I didn’t’, because I had to drag your unconscious body off of your beast! Had she not woken me up, you would have died!” Leone wanted to shake some common sense into Bruno, “What on earth was so important that you had to leave without telling any of us?”
Bruno fell quiet, gazing up into Leone’s furious eyes. His body had begun to shiver again, a good sign, but still worrisome, “…the orphanage.”
Leone stilled for a moment, anger falling, “…Was everything okay?”
“Wanted to… bring them firewood… before the storm.” Bruno slurred out, “I didn’t mean to be… out so late.”
“Clearly.” Leone shuffled Bruno closer to the fire, still cradling him, “You should have put on proper clothing, at the very least.”
“I could have… but then I wouldn’t be in… your arms now.” Bruno snuggled into Leone, stealing his warmth, “you’ll… warm me up, won’t you?”
“Only if you promise not to do this again.”
Bruno giggled softly, “No promises.”
Leone flicked his forehead.