They're Good Cows, Jon

you can't carry it with you if you want to survive (Nimona 2023) Chapter 2

Summary:

With their Queen deceased, no heirs, their Director terminated, three-quarters of their holy protectors retired, and their walls gone, the kingdom had called upon the scion of Gloreth to lead the way.

-

“The Director lied to you, Ambrosius. She used you and she hurt you. None of that is your fault. Why can’t you see that?”

Ballister reached out his hand, freezing when Ambrosius recoiled.

“I guess I’m just not as forgiving as you are, Bal.”

Chapter 2

Remember your training. Remember who you are.

We are born to protect this kingdom.

Thankfully, we have a descendant of Gloreth to lead us.

Refilling his glass, Ambrosius reclined in his chair as far back as the wooden frame would allow, running a hand through mussed hair. The office’s temperature had grown intolerable after only a few sips of the dark liquid, and so the top buttons of his uniform lay undone, exposing his throat and sternum. A few more sips, and he imagined he’d be tempted to roll up his sleeves and kick his feet up on the desk, boots and all.

Just considering it sent a roguish thrill coursing through him. Even in solitude, Ambrosius seldom permitted himself to sink into such a state of dishevelment. Every morning he’d stick to his routine—hair styled, face done, freshly shaven—even on rare days when he'd had no obligations but to otherwise laze about his apartment.

Ballister had teased him for this. He’d needle Ambrosius time and again, asking why bother waking up so early to groom himself when Ambrosius had confessed he hated mornings. On one occasion, he even went as far as wrestling an amused Ambrosius back into bed, pleading with him to enjoy a few more hours of sleep for a change.

At the time, Ambrosius had conceded. They’d only been dating a few months at that point, and it had taken embarrassingly little persuasion to convince a smitten Ambrosius to forgo his usual routine and curl back under the cozy covers. The next morning, however, while Ballister still slept, he rose at his usual hour to start on his hair.

It’s just what Ambrosius did. He’d never given it much thought beyond that. He’d developed the habit as early as primary school, recalling with fond warmth the mornings his mother would let him play at her vanity, mimicking her and her serene elegance. Ambrosius had been quick to fall into a morning routine of his own, smoothing out blemishes and tending to his brightened hair.

After all, even as a child, he’d understood the importance of maintaining appearances, even if—

Is something on your mind, Ambrosius?

… I’m fine, Director.

—even if, internally, he felt like his entire world was falling apart.

[Continue on AO3]

[Chapter 1]

labru has a very similar appeal to edward/bella in that you have one character who is able to otherwise have a perfect read on the people around him but finds this other character completely unfathomable and it drives them insane, only instead of it being a result of vampire magic it's the autism