#ruggiexreader

[owlisbuffering]

What's in a Name?

Characters: Ruggie Bucchi x Reader, Grim (briefly)

Summary: reader calls Ruggie a nickname; can be read as platonic or romantic; gender neutral reader

Tags: fluff, slight crack, silly fic

Warnings: none

Word count: 436

Also on ao3

It was a brisk day at NRC, windy enough that though you were inside, just the sound of the howling gusts outside made you feel chilly. Ruggie was over helping you prepare for an upcoming Animal Linguistics exam and had disappeared into the kitchen. Grim was off in another part of Ramshackle, so for the moment you were on your own, trying to memorize the rules for honorifics when addressing different members of the rodent family.

"Here ya go, Y/n!" Ruggie appeared, holding a steaming mug out to you. "I won't even charge ya for the service. Though I do always accept tips." He winked.

"Thank you, Ruginald." You replied with a smile as you took the proffered mug. Ruggie, who had been turning back to retrieve his own mug, stopped and blinked at you, ears twitching.

"......what'd you say?"

Your eyes widened. His question made you realize just what you had said. You inwardly grimaced; you'd been referring to Ruggie as Ruginald in your head for some time now, but had never slipped up and said it to his face until now.

"Thank you?"

He shook his head and waved a finger as though turning a page over.  "Nu-uh. After that."

"Ruggie?" You knew you were caught but still desperately tried to play it off.

"That's not what you said and you know it." He said, crossing his arms.

You sighed. "...Ruginald?"

He cackled. "Is that supposed to be a nickname?"

"I think it's cute! And kind of fun." You could feel your cheeks heating up as you floundered, Ruggie snickering at your protest.

"It sounds all fancy." He said, wrinkling his nose with exaggerated distaste. You rolled your eyes.

"What, afraid it'll make you want to act like a proper gentleman?"

"Yeah, right. I don't think it works that way."

You shrugged. "It does a little with Grim."

Ruggie snorted. "I'll believe that when I see it."

Just then, Grim passed by the lounge entrance walking on all fours, half a fish sticking out of his mouth. He paused when he saw you two.

"Grimothy." You greeted him with a nod.

He gave a dignified nod in return and stood on his hind feet, clasping his forepaws behind his back. With all the airs of the noblest of kings, he walked on, the fish still protruding from his mouth.

A glance at Ruggie revealed he was shocked and speechless, staring at the spot Grim had been seconds before. He recovered a moment later and bowed deeply to you. Raising his head and giving you another wink, he smirked. "Ruginald Bucchi, at your service."