#give me a boy in a pretty white dress encouraging me to save the kingdom

[weaselishmcdiesel]

enough with the small little female companions gimme a little fairy boy to help me on my adventures

[shewhowantsmouseears]

Since you're taking prompts, why not write something for one of your old weblena fairy tale aus

I was torn between SHE’S MINE inspiration from friendship hates magic, and a sweet, soft dance thing that is sort of based of a RP i’m doing with a pal, and the latter on out!

There were numerous reasons Webby hadto hide her wings, and therefore her origins – being a fairy, evena weak one, would have spooked the villagers and tempted the hands ofthose with dark hearts. At least, that was normally the reason herfriends encouraged her to hide them. Today had an additional reason –seeing a fairy gorge herself on the ball buffer would have destroyedthe reputation of faeries everywhere. Thankfully it didn't take muchmagic for Webby to make her wings invisible, so she could snack awayto her heart's content.

“So, do you guys have four stomachslike a cow, or...?” Dewey asked as Webby consumed what had to beher fifth sandwich. The ball was in full swing, and most of theattendants were dancing the night away, lost in romantic music andgentle embraces.

“Aw, gimmie a break.” Webby repliedafter an inelegant burp, reaching over to grab a fistful of...honestly, she didn't know what it was, just that it was different,which was good enough for her. “Creatures like me are supposed tosurvive on honey and dewdrops. You have any idea how good mortal foodtastes after years of bee goop and grass water?” She might havemade a comment on how lucky mortals had it, but this was difficult totell as she was speaking between hefty chews.

Dewey was beginning to have seriousdoubts about the plan he and his brothers cooked up, but he wasrarely one to change his mind even in the worst of circumstances.“I'm just saying you could stand to look a little less... messytonight.”

“What for?” Webby asked, lickingher fingers to make sure nothing had been missed. “I'm the fairygodmother!”

“In-training.” he reminded her.

“In-training,” she repeated, “Butstill! I'm the background character, I'm the one nobody notices untilmy help is needed. And my chosen ward doesn't need my help tonight,this is just practice – is that cheese?” She made a swipe forsomething sticky, just as Dewey noticed Huey giving him the signal –two fingers from each hand, twirling about.

“Practice for the 'big ball ofdestiny', right?” Dewey asked as he grabbed Webby by the shoulders,pulling her away from the table. “The one where Lena walks in withthat fluffy magical dress you make for her-”

“And that lasts for more than thirtyseconds,” Webby lamented, as that spell still needed a lot of work.

“And then she captures everyone'sattention just by walking in, and her chosen prince, or duke, orlord, or whatever, falls in love with her at first sight, and thenthey have that nice, long, slow dance.”

“... Have I told you all thisbefore?”

“About thirty-six times.”

“Well, yes, that's how the actualball will go. This one's just for practice, so when she makes herdebut, everything goes perfectly.” She paused, noticing she wasbeing lightly pushed away from all the yummy food. “What are youdoing?”

“Tell me more about the plan!”Dewey kept pushing, catching Louie's eyes – his brother winked, andset about meshing himself into the crowd, distracting the rightpeople with smooth talk and smoother cons. “Okay, so, Lena walksdown the big staircase that leads right here to the dance hall, isthat it? Hand on the banister, step by step, her other hand ever solightly holding into her dress so she doesn't trip, eyes gazing overthe crowd...”

“Boy, I really have told you thisthirty-six times. Why do you want to know, anyway?”

“Welllllllll.” Dewey stretched outthe word as much as possible before finally stopping near thestairway, and dabbing her cheek with a napkin. “I was justwondering if it'd look anything like that.” he pointed to the topof the stairs, and predictably, Webby's eyes followed.

“Look like what?” But she got heranswer in seconds.

Lena was still in disbelief she wasdoing this. She still had no intention of ever following theridiculous destiny Webby was convinced she had, and a girl like herhad no place anywhere near royalty, much less a party they werethrowing. She was the kingdom outcast, the witch's slave, scorned andhated by all if not pitied. She was not meant to have a happy life,not meant to have friends, not meant to feel beautiful, and severalmonths ago she was convinced none of this would change.

Now here she stood, at the top of thebanister, heart beating in her throat as she looked downward. Shedidn't belong here, and the temptation to run away still burned hotlyin the back of her mind. Despite this, she found the strength to takea step, moving quietly down the stairs, the dress not feeling asuncomfortable as she thought it would. As long as she kept it clean,she could return it to the tailor in the morning and have her aunt benone the wiser about any missing money.

Maybe the color would prove Webbywrong, she tried to joke in her mind – what princess would wear allblack? Black lacing on her legs, black heels on her feet, black silkroses forming a cursed collar around her neck, white lines markingacross her outfit like freshly-spun spider webs. She hadn't worn itlong, and she fumbled once, grasping onto the banister, her faceflushing with embarrassment. But the whole world didn't stop to pointand mock – it went on ignoring her. She took a deep breath andtried again, and as she walked downwards, she finally saw Webby.

Webby, for her part, hadn't dressed upat all. Why would she? Fairy Godmothers were supposed to blend inwith the crowd, be ignored and out of the way until they were needed.So she had on her usual pink dress, the one that seemed to sparklewith every giggle she made, ever changing flowers hanging around theedge so she always smelled like a newborn forest. So she lookedcompletely normal – save for her eyes so wide they threatened toroll out of her skull, and her jaw that hung open wide enough that alarge fish could jump inside. Dewey took care of the latter, calmlypicking up Webby's lower beak and closing it. “Looks nice, doesn'tshe?” Dewey said.

“Nuffhug.” said Webby, whichwasn't really a word, but more like her brain being squeezed tightlyand that puff of noise being the last remnants of rational thoughtshe had.

“Atta girl.” Dewey lightly slappedher arms. “You two have fun, 'kay?” Satisfied, he shot fingersguns towards Lena, and then quickly fled to join his brothers – itwas up to them to make sure the more snooty members of society didn'tget Lena kicked out, and that the girls could have a good timetogether.

At last Lena made it to the final step,and now she stood in front of Webby, who looked ready to tip over andpass out if one gave her a good enough poke. “Hey.”

The word managed to, somewhat, snapWebby back to reality. “Hey!You look... you look... you look...”She repeated it a few more times until she actually heard the recordskip of her own voice, and gave herself a hard mental slap. “GOOD!Good is the word I would use. To describe you.” It wasn't accurate,but to be fair to Webby, she believed a word had yet to be inventedto properly detail Lena's appearance in this brand new dress she'dnever seen before. Was there a single word to express the colors ofthe comforting darkness when the night sky began to envelop yoursight and began to glitter the sky with stars of confidence andacceptance? She didn't think so, nor did she believe she had themental fortitude to come up with it right now. She barely had themental fortitude to keep standing.

“Thanks, I think.” Lena smiled,tucking some loose hair away, feeling somehow a mix of humility andboldness. It was getting harder to remember, or care, that there wereother people around. “So what do people do at these things anyway?Just dance and eat, eat and dance?”

Webby latched onto information, sinceit gave her strength. “Technically it serves as a meet and greetfor King Scrooge and travelers from the north so they can have adiscussion about opening trade routes while in a relaxing atmosphere.But for the rest of us... yeah, pretty much just dancing and eating.”

“I'm not exactly in the mood to eat.”This wasn't entirely true, she was hungry but she didn't want to riskdamaging the clothes she couldn't afford. “And judging from thatpiece of lettuce sticking out your mouth, I think you're good.”

The young fairy blushed, and licked herlips to get rid of the evidence. “I guess that means we can dance.Huey taught me how!” It would take an embarrassingly long amount oftime before she was even close to realizing that had been part of theset-up. “See, you put your hand here, and I put mine there...” Onthe surface, it was just as easy as Webby said it was. Left hand toLena's hip, right to Lena's hand - Lena's other hand on her shoulder- step back, step to the side, step forward, step to the side,repeat."Afteryou do this for a while, you can do it without thinking about it!One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four."

Itwasn't picture perfect – Lena did step on Webby's foot a few times,but Webby laughed it off each time, regaling times she had been inmuch worse pain - remember when they were being chased by unicorns?How about that time with the knight's cursed armor? Then there wasthat whole atrocity with Doofus by the creek... the girls giggled andswayed as they repeated the stories they had lived through together,making up silly arguments and trying to spin the endings to suit thembetter. As Webby predicted, the simple movements soon becameclockwork, moving without thought in that small space of the ballroomfloor.

Theconversation died down little by little, but not due to awkwardnessor running out of things to say. It was something akin to beingcontent, if Webby had to put her finger on it – she who wanted anexciting life of daring action was quite surprised to find joy inthese quiet, slow times. She didn't understand it, and decided thatdidn't really matter. She could simply be with Lena all day long, notchanging a word, merely enjoy her presence and that would be enough.How funny, she thought, that before meeting Lena, she believed sheknew the extent of happiness. Those times were colorless and dullcompared to now.

Lenacould see herself reflected in Webby's big, emotional eyes, and wasslowly beginning to believe that Webby did in fact like her as morethan just her “chosen ward”. That they were friends by choice andnot chance, that they would remain close no matter what destiny hadin store. Of course, by virtue of being older and knowing more waysof the world, she knew exactly what her feelings for Webby were. Ithad become insane to deny them any longer, even though she had vowedto never say them in the waking world. This night would be like adream – happy, yes, but only temporary. A night of self-indulgence,granted by three boys who didn't know how to mind their own business.

Ifthis wasn't a dream – if there were no faeries or destinies orwicked aunts – Lena could imagine what she would have done. Maybetwirl Webby around clumsily to hear that charming laugh of hers, atickle or two before the younger girl begged her to stop, beforetrailing her fingers through those white locks that seemed softerthan petals and probably smelled even sweeter. If this wasn't adream, Lena imagined her cupping Webby's warm cheeks and taking areal first kiss, the kind that sappy schoolgirls dreamed of betweenprinces and doting young maidens, only here it would be real and pureand beautiful. Because, with Webby, because of Webby, Lena did feelbeautiful, and that every action she could do could be beautiful too.

Byfalling in love with Webby, Lena had been allowed to love herself aswell. For this, Lena felt gratitude that could never be repaid, soshe chose to never act on it.

“Lena?”Webby suddenly asked, her voice small and petite and ever sograceful.

“Yeah?”

Thefairy smiled, and Lena was sure that no matter how beautiful Webbymade her feel, nothing and no one could ever as amazing to look asWebby when she smiled.  “Thanks for coming.”

Lenasmiled in turn, and pressed her forehead to Webby's own. “I'm gladI came. But if I sweat through this dress, you owe me big time.”Deflect with a joke, deflect with attitude, deflect deflect deflectand never let her know how you really feel – because tonight was adream and Lena never wanted to wake up.

EventuallyCinderella's carriage would turn back into a pumpkin, the horses backinto mice, and the princess back into a slave in her own home – buthere and now, there was no magic, not even as their fingersintertwined and they felt sparks fluttering in their chest. It wasjust two girls, happy and in love, as the music carried them on.

[bookishnerdhero]

ROTBTD - OUAT AU  Episode 1 (Part 1)

I’ll be cutting the first chapter of this fic in parts  here in Tumblr, but will upload as a whole in AO3 and Wattpad once it’s all done. That way, it’s a little easier to update and since I am just trying this out to see how it goes first. ^_^

ROTBTD - The Big Four – OUAT AU

Author’s Note: This started out as a concept that occurred to me while sitting at the back of the car on the way home (where I get good story ideas). For two reasons, 1.) I’ve been having ROTBTD nostalgia since I was addicted to them a few years ago, and 2.) I’ve recently gotten into watching Once Upon a Time again last year. Once Upon a Time seemed like too good an AU for The Big Four to pass up, though I’m honestly not the best of fanfic writers when it comes to updating which is why I’m a little nervous. I’m still pretty busy and I initially didn’t want to do anything about it yet apart from plot and draft a few things first.  But I’ve been going back and forth, considering whether I should just go ahead and write this ROTBTD fic and I guess to just go the heck with it won me over.

Also, I posted the synopsis up in my Tumblr and have gotten positive feedback about it, so if you’re one of those people who supported it as a concept—Thanks and here it is! The start at least. I’m still not in a position to promise anything yet, but I’m hoping I could maybe do this for fun so it’s less intimidating.

I’m encouraging other ROTBTD fans to write for OUAT AU as well. I’m not sure I’ve come across it before, but if such fics already exist—Oh man!—let me know! I’m just glad this fandom still exists after all these years.

So here we go!

Disclaimer: Since it is purely fanfiction, I do not own any of the characters (Disney, Dreamworks, Fairytales and other characters from other stuff to come) nor the whole concept of Once Upon a Time.

Synopsis:

Jack St. North was just an ordinary Sophomore High student from Dreamer Haven’s, Dreamworks Academy…sort of. He was more of a loner really; orphaned, invisible, living in-between sardonic pranks and the usual teenage angst when you basically have nobody and nothing. All his life he figured if you can’t beat what fate has in store for you, then you may as well learn to live with it. Things, of course, changed when a little boy named Jamie knocked on his door with a big brown storybook in his hand and told him that he was actually from another world where fairytales are real, dreams come true and that he, Jack, was actually one of the legendary Big Four.

Naturally, he didn’t believe it. He was 17 and was pretty sure he couldn’t have a 10 year old son without knowing about it was cerrainly not Jack Frost–the Jack Frost from that Christmas song!  The boy, Jamie, tells him that he needed to reunite with the Big Four in order to break the curse that Pitch Black, the evil King, Hans, and Mother Gothel placed upon their real world. Only with the four united could they stand a chance in solving the curse’s threat. And based on Jamie’s story Jack was sure he meant his nerdy world history classmate, Hiccup, and two girls, Merida and Rapunzel, from Disney High.

  Once Upon a Time: Convergence

Episode 1 – A Strong Enough Belief

 Once Upon a Time…

Up above.

It was a full moon and it seemed like the kind that was pure and bright, watching over everything down below. It looked like the moon had a face of its own and, though it is a knowing look that shined back at the acres of wood in this part of an enchanted forest, it doesn’t seem to give away anything else to help an observer understand. Not even when one would look up at it real hard.

Down below.

A crystal-like lake, smooth and reflecting the light of the moon.

A few cracks barely visible on the surface and then…

The shape of a boy, floating beneath it. His back was to the surface, head hung low with his chin to his chest, and his arms lifted at each side. He wore an unmistakable dark blue coat, with embroidered snowflake patterns on the cuffs and lapels, though a little torn from some fight not that long ago. His hair was white as the first sight of frost.

A glint.

There was a silver delicate chain around his neck, the end of which had a medallion, yet another snowflake, but one that used to belong to a young queen in a kingdom not far from the lake.

In the middle.

A queen dressed in light blue—the kind that glistened like the frozen fractals on the leaves and branches of trees and the very body of water itself—hurried to the edge of the lake. Unbothered by the howling winds and the sharp coldness that came with it, she ran in search for something, eyes trained to anything beneath the surface.

The sound of a sled and of hooves behind her.

“Did you find him?”

“I’m looking. I can’t see him. I can’t…” The queen’s voice was riddled with fear. Eyes widened this time. She scrambled over to a particular spot in the frozen lake and fell to her knees. “Here! He’s here!”

She pressed her hands on the surface. Rammed her fist. Then, with shaking hands, tried to make the ice melt and go away with a sparkle in her fingertips. It seemed to only make the ice thicker.

She pulled her hands back so quickly she fell to her back, just as five other people approached her. Her sister ran to hold her, while the burly blonde fiancé, a thin boy with the armor of a Viking, and a girl with fiery red hair carried pickaxes and already started hitting at the ice. Another girl, one with long, golden hair braided behind her, went to hold the queen’s hand. Her hand was warm against the queen’s cold. The queen never used to shiver due to the cold, but she’d been shivering and both her sister and the girl kept her still. It was a warm gesture, one coupled with a look of determination given to the worry in the queen’s face.

“It has to be you, Elsa,” the girl with golden hair said.

Elsa nodded, still a little shaky but knowing full well of her role in this rescue. It was no use saying that she didn’t think she could, or that she might just make it worse by trying. She just couldn’t risk losing him by doing nothing.

“Jack!” The boy in Viking armor threw the pickaxe aside because it was useless, the ice in the lake was enchanted and he started pounding at the ice instead. He shouted with such intensity that up until that moment none of them knew he had. “Jack, wake up! Jack!”

The girl with fiery hair covered her lips with one hand, refusing to let out a shudder as she started pummeling her fist on the ice in the very same way. Still, there was already the hint of a cry deep in her throat, ready to break, as she muttered. “No. No. No. This can’t be.”

“Y-you can do it.” The queen could hear the hope dwindling in the golden girl’s voice, also close to tears. She felt just as hopeless, crying all the while as she waved and waved her hands and blast after blast of magic only added to the snow and cold on the lake. Each time it failed her fear grew.

“I…”Elsa started with a shaky breath, but then, in a heartbeat that seemed to still her senses, she remembered him. It was something he said months ago at a ball in which she was to meet with kings and queens from neighboring queendoms and kingdoms, all for the sake of mending the bonds and ending their differences. She’d felt a little nervous because she was to be the youngest queen there, only 21 in a room full of men and women with more experience and who would no doubt have better judgment against her rule. He’d smiled at her, an easy lopsided grin that allowed for the teeth to come out, just barely. It was always as if he was considering making a joke or was about to suggest some grand idea that involved anything but being stately. He had been wearing a white tunic with silver a silver collar and what seemed to her as overly dramatic fringed shoulder pads. It didn’t seem his character and he’d kept tugging at the collar and self-consciously moved his arms, if he moved them at all, but he looked nice.

“Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I believe in you.”

“How is your believing in me going to help?”

He’d taken her gloved hand in his. He had to wear gloves too, not that he couldn’t control his own abilities, and not that she couldn’t either. Not anymore at least.

“It might not.” He moved her hand with his up to face level, as if examining her fingers closely. But then he carefully pressed his lips on the knuckles, which oddly enough she felt even through the fabric. “But at least you know somebody’s always on your side even if it all goes wrong.”

She didn’t expect that. Especially not from the boy who she’d saved from drowning in the ice cold lake, who had little to no memory at all with how he’d gotten there. The first time she met him was when she was with Anna and Kristoff. She’d received the message in a dream that she had to save someone who had drowned in ice. She was critical about the dream, but she consulted the trolls from the Valley of the Living Rock first and they told her to follow her dream. It made no sense because she expected this kind of dream had nothing to do with aspirations and wasn’t the kind you followed, but somehow she had the sense to pay attention to what it was saying. A voice instructed her to go to the lake. She took a leap of faith and, lo and behold, there was someone. Granted it was a lot scarier than she expected and somehow they were able to haul him out of the water and bring him to the castle for warmth. He’d been shocked to find out she had heard the Man in the Moon. He’d lost his memories and his identity other than the sound of his name and the knowledge of this man that watched over him. They took him into Arendelle. And then eventually the queen had gotten to know the boy who had the uncanny ability to bring Fun to everyone in the kingdom and had started to…

Though, for her it took some time, no matter Anna’s goading.

Elsa had frowned that moment when he’d let her hand go. “You remember who you are now?” She hadn’t been sure then how she knew, but there was something different in his eyes.

He’d thought about it. Shrugged. “There are people I have to find. Some friends. It’s a little hazy but I think…” A pause in which his eyes scanned the ballroom. “I think it feels right. I know it…in my -gut.” A self-amused smirk.

“I see. Would you let me know when it all makes sense?”

“I think at this point in our relationship, I have no other choice but to keep coming back to you.” He’d said it so suddenly she didn’t really have time to process it. He’d walked away, leaving her still feeling the weight of his lips on the back of her gloved hand.

And now it reverberated in her mind. That thing he said.

Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I believe in you.

I believe.

“I believe.” Elsa whispered, eyes trained on the boy beneath the ice. “Come back to me, Jack.”

            She raised her hands. Steady now. One shot of magic and this time it struck, allowing a rainbow halo to come forth and disperse among the land like a gust of wind. The feeling of a curse being broken.

            The ice cracked.

            It continued to crack all around the surface above Jack and then melted instead of crashing in pieces over his head. The Viking and the fiery and golden haired girls all gasped. They all hauled Jack’s body back up, somehow not as frozen as one would expect and not as unconscious because he started to cough and sputter. Jack was broken free from the Ice the second time. It was the second time she had to save him and she didn’t think she could handle another. Elsa practically collapsed in relief when he started gasping for air. She choked on her tears and Anna helped her up.

            “Wh-what happened? Pitch he-“

            “Cursed you and tried to keep you in Ice again.” the Viking offered.

            “But where-?”

            “Gone. He disappeared. The coward.” The fiery haired girl gritted her teeth.

            “Cursed. He said the Ice was cursed how did you guys free me?”

            “I think you should ask her,” the golden girl said, stepping aside so that he could see Elsa who covered her mouth and nose with her hands, still sniffling.

            “You?” he said. “Saved me? Again?”

            He seemed too stunned.

            “Of course I did. I wouldn’t just let you die like that.”

            “You looked for me.”

            “You left Arendelle without saying goodbye.”

            “I thought you hated me being there. I was messing things up. I didn’t take anything seriously and everything I did was a joke.”

            “That wasn’t me!”

“It was Gothel in a disguise,” the golden girl cut in with purpose, face grim. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

“How could I hate you being there?” Elsa cried a little indignantly. It annoyed her that he didn’t get it, and yet there she was afraid to get too close anyway. “You reminded me what it was like to have fun again, to make light of things even when it seems like there’s no hope. Even when I couldn’t believe in myself.”

They all stared at the two of them.

“Finding you was one of the best, most daring things I’ve ever done in my life. I would never do anything to lose you.”

Anna placed her fingers to her lips, eyes misting as she nudged her fiancé at the ribs with her elbow. The Viking and the fiery red head met each other’s eyes sideways, while the golden girl smiled knowingly.

Jack was almost rendered speechless, which was unlike him, and very unable to move properly so he staggered a little as the Viking helped him to his feet. He looked as if he was unsure whether he would gasp or laugh or shout as Elsa walked over to him. Each step she took seemed to take something from his breathing.

“What is that supposed to mean?” he said.

She remembered the feeling at the back of her hand and the way he smiled.

She kissed him. A second time that day came another gust of rainbow, another curse being broken. In that instant she could somehow tell that all his memories came flooding back, everything wrong righting itself in the process. When she finally let go, he held her at arm’s length with a smile on his face. That smile. As usual it was difficult to determine just what he was going to say or do next, or if he was thinking of anything at all as he looked at her.

“Hah. I remember.” He kissed her nose and the smile widened into a toothy grin. “I remember. I had a family. I was a Guardian and then…” he turned to the Viking, and the fiery and golden haired girls. “You guys.”

They huddled to each other as Jack eventually managed to include all three of his friends into the hug. “Hic, Mer, Punzie!” He cried and then laughed again. “I couldn’t remember any of you but I missed you!”

“Ey, now, don’t shove.” Merida squinted at him and gave him a punch on the shoulder.

“Welcome back!” Rapunzel hugged him tightly once more.

“We knew you’d be back. You were starting to get annoying without your memories for a while there, so we’re glad,” Hiccup said which made Jack snort. “It hasn’t been the same without you. Cursed Jack was a bit too sentimental and clueless. ”

“Aw, Hic, you do care.”

They all laughed and amidst the laughter Jack looked up at Elsa and mouthed ‘Thank You’. She shrugged and crossed her arms, ‘Well’.

So now they take it as a sign that they had defeated the Dark One, Hans, and Mother Gothel, at least for another day.

***

It was a couple of years later, on the day of his wedding that Jack couldn’t help feeling that something was wrong. Hiccup tried to tell him there was nothing to worry about and it was probably just pre-wedding jitters. Hans was taken care of by his older brothers back at the Southern Isles and Mother Gothel was in a heavily guarded prison in Corona, but Pitch was nowhere to be found. He’s been quiet for too long since they broke the curse. Jack couldn’t help getting paranoid anytime he gets too happy. It’s as if at any moment he might wake up to find it was all a dream and he was still invisible to the people around him.

North gave him a heavy pat on the back, which felt more like a shove to his lanky frame. He chuckled with his other hand on his belly. “You worry too much, Jack. Very unlike the Guardian of Fun I’m used to.” As he said this a couple of yetis in big white bow ties passed by fussing over last minute adjustments on the wedding decorations, followed by flustered servants and castle guards who are unsure who was taking charge. A few of the elves shook their bell tipped hats, now a shade of white, thinking that the sound counts as helping the preparations. Tooth was somewhere at the side, giving the Baby Teeth last minute rehearsals for their song in the reception. Everywhere else were guests from all over Arendelle and even representatives from neighboring kingdoms. Even a few kings and queens themselves, to whom Jack had had to talk to in a polite way as form of thanks and because everyone wanted to meet this Guardian who was going to marry the Queen of Arendelle.

“Everything is under control,” North said confidently, catching Jack’s attention again. Bunny hopped on over to them with a face that’s a mixture of disbelief and amusement.

“Never thought I’d see the day you’d look as scared as a groundhog is to a shadow.” He laughed and elbowed North. “Look at him, mate, he’s paler than normal.”

North made a jolly version of a face that says ‘He’s not wrong!’ and Hiccup snort-laughed.

“Please settle down. Places everyone! Places!” said Rapunzel, coming in beautiful and confident in the light blue and white bridesmaid dress. Her hair had been braided differently by Anna and she twirled around a bit at their expense so they could see the snowflakes and glitter woven into the locks. “Isn’t is amazing?” she squealed and shook Jack by the shoulders, just as Merida huffed in through the door at the back, wearing the same dress but with a scowl on her face. Her hair was braided as well, but it looked to have taken its toll on her patience and a few curly red strands still lingered over her forehead.

“Merida wouldn’t let us use the glitter on her. Even when I told her glacier blue was her color,” Rapunzel teased.

“Do you realize how hard that might be to get those off?” Merida complained, accent heavy. She moved stiffly, clearly hating the way the dress and the hair do made her feel embarrassed.

Hiccup somehow sensed Merida wanted a moment away from the guests and Elinor who had just spotted her come in with a proud look on her face. He took her by the hand and whispered—or at least tried to, but Jack heard it—something about checking on Toothless as an excuse for them to take a few minutes out in fresh air. Merida nodded too eagerly and scampered away with him, too quick for the kind of shoes she was wearing.

Jack shook his head in amusement.

 “It’s all amazing. I helped plan this!” Rapnuzel said, changing the subject to spare their friends’ lame and un-smooth exit.  “I think I quite like being in charge of things, if I do say so myself.”

“Not bad.” Jack nodded. “Where’s Flynn?”

“Eugene-“

“-weird name.”

Rapunzel ignored him. “-is on his way with Maximus with a very large cake for the reception.”

“Aw, Punz, you didn’t have to.”

“Nonsense!”

“No seriously. I think Elsa and Anna had already gone overboard with the desserts. I’m pretty sure we’re eating nothing but chocolate later.”

“Oh…well, there is no such thing as too much chocolate? Because, obviously that’s what I ordered too. Hidden under blue fondant, but that’s all there is. Even the little Jack and Elsa on top are made of chocolate. ” She shrugged and made such a hopelessly euphoric giggle it was hard not to join in. It fell short of crying at the end where she asked him to give her a hug.

“I’m really, really happy for you, Jack. For all of us.” She motioned her head at where Merida and Hiccup could be seen talking to each other at the balcony where somehow Toothless clambered onto wearing a dragon-sized blue bow-tie. “You guys are the best friends I’ve ever had and I’m honored to spend these moments with you.”

“Thanks, Rapunzel. I mean it. For everything. For believing I could have a dream again.”

“But something’s bothering you, isn’t it?” she stepped away from the hug and gave him a small smile. “I know.”

“I just get the feeling something bad is going to happen.”

“I felt that very same way too, after everything we’ve all been through.” she nodded, taking his hands firmly between hers and shook them with each syllable she spoke. “But it does get better.”

He inhaled a huge amount of breath, then exhaled. Nodded. “Yeah.”

A creaking sound. The door was opening once again and Jack realized the sound made his heart race. It was Anna, but she regarded him with a smile and a curt nod. “She’s here.”

***

All worry was forgotten when the Queen entered the courtroom and all eyes were on her. Her gown was a white version of the dress she’d created herself that signified her freedom from her own fears many years ago, but with a longer trail at the back. A crown with an intricate pattern of snowflakes, leaves and vines, in silver sat delicately upon her head—a gift of North’s own making. Her hair was braided to the side but glittered every time she moved so she looked like a lone star in a dark snowy night as she walked down the aisle, with her sister giving her away.

Jack wasn’t sure what he must’ve looked like seeing her this way, if anyone were to look at him at all as this was all happening. He was sure she was the only vision in the room. The seemed to melt quickly and stand frozen still all at the same time. Or rather time was a complicated mess of a thing, when one lived to be a Guardian of the children of the Enchanted Forest, and for generations before that, an unseen and unbelieved in reborn child of the Moon, and then suddenly someone somebody could love.

It was a perfect moment, up until the “I dos” he’d never imagined he’d be taking a part of, not in all those nights sleeping on branches of trees with nothing but moonlight and the stars keeping him company, seeing him. All he’d wanted was to be seen.

It was perfect…which was why nothing, not even worrying about something earlier, could’ve prepared them all for what came next. In the middle of the wedding Hans appeared in the middle of the aisle, a manifestation from black smoke.

There was a collective gasp. Swords, scabbards, boomerangs, bows, and magical hands came at the ready. Toothless bared his teeth while Anna her fists.

“I’m not really here, everybody. Settle down. I’m just a shadow.”

“What do you want?” Elsa gritted her teeth. Of all the times to reappear in whatever shape or form, it had to be now. Jack materialized a staff from snow and ice and stomped it on the ground for good measure. This was the guy who tried to take Arendelle in the most dishonorable way. This was the guy who tried to kill Elsa.

“Get out.”

 “Touchy.” He clucked. It didn’t sound like the guy Anna had talked about before, but really, how was he or anyone supposed to know what he really was like when he was so good at putting up a façade?

“This is no place for darkness, lad.” North said.

“Please, not today,” Rapunzel pleaded, hands up in a sign of peace. “Have some decency!”

“I’m only here to announce the preparation of a curse. Pitch Black’s curse.”

If it was possible for the room to grow even quitter than it had been before it was now. Everyone must’ve had their breaths on hold.

“I’m only relaying what was told to me,” Hans said, almost bored sounding, but he massaged his temples in such a dramatic and slow way as to keep everyone at the edge of their seats, relishing the attention.

  “Listen well, Big Four.” He said the title with disgust and such possessiveness as to make clear that he intended to be one of their most remembered enemies. Jack, Rapunzel, Merida, and Hiccup all looked around the room and caught each other’s’ eyes.  “Pitch Black has been preparing a new curse, a curse that—at this point in time—has already started to grow and is too late to stop.  He said that it will start when the last hope, Jack Frost’s child’s 10th birthday—“

“—what?” Jack said. “No.”

“He will bring about the biggest curse, taking us all to a realm where no happily ever after exists. The Queen and King must kill the boy before it comes to pass—“

“—No!” Elsa cried. “It can’t be. Guards! Stop him!”

“—And then your hearts will have been black and so the Dark One gets his revenge. That is all.”

Hans turned into nothing more than a dark form in the middle of the room, standing and then dissolving like smoke. 

(End of Part 1)

Tag List: @rose-sparks13 @beautifulslimezonkpaper @rosesnvines@jewishicequeen @hiddenwriterspirit @shiroi-majo

Just did a little tweaking. 

Let me know in the comments if you want to be tagged!Thanks for reading!

(Part 2 )

(Part 3)

[bazypitchandsimonsnow]

Part of Your World

Chapter 5: suddenly i saw you

Rating: T

Genre: Fluff/Angst

Word count: 4234

Chapter: 5/11 (All chapters)

Summary: Baz finds a mysterious man on his kingdom’s shores.

Read on AO3

AN: This chapter is longer than the previous ones, and they’ll be longer from now on. So enjoy some more Little Mermaid AU! :D

———————————————-

Baz sat on the cliff’s edge, bow dragging across his violin strings. He played the song perfectly, of course. Even if his only audience was the open ocean and the fish below. Malcolm had asked to play outside, out of earshot for Daphne. His music was apparently “too morose” for her nerves. It was always too morose. Baz was pretty sure his family just didn’t like violin music.

With tired arms, he let the instrument fall to his lap. He looked out at the roaring ocean. A shudder ran down his spine involuntarily. Two whole weeks later and the memories still gave him shivers. The yelling on the ship, fire roaring around him, the explosion hurtling his body into the cold, cold waves.

His saviour’s voice.

Malcolm was convinced that Baz had imagined it all. Simply the hallucinations of a drowning man, putting a person in place of the tide that had washed him ashore. Baz knew not to argue. Once his father had decided something, that was the end of the discussion.

Still, he had sounded so beautiful. The words were burned into Baz’s brain. The sound of his voice, from the alto pitch to the slightly rough accent, still rang in his ears. You’re incredible, Baz. I hope you know that.

“ARF ARF!” Max jumped on Baz large paws first.

“Max!” Baz yelled as the massive sheep dog knocked him over, licking his face happily. “Max quit it!”

He still giggled in spite of himself. Even the great solemn Basilton Pitch wasn’t immune to dog adorableness. He eventually pushed himself up again, scratching behind Max’s ears.

“Yes yes, you’re cute and you know it.”

Max panted and licked Baz’s hand again. Then his ears suddenly perked up. His mouth closed as his head whipped around, big black nose twitching.

Baz pulled back. “What is it, boy?”

The sheep dog bolted away, tearing up grass beneath him. Baz scrambled to his feet. If Max got lost or hurt, Mordelia and the twins would kill him. He chased the giant mop down the hill, around the corner and across the beach. Max stopped just behind a large rock, barking loudly at something there. When Baz saw what it was, or rather who it was, he didn’t blame Max for freaking out. He was freaking out too.

It was a boy, no older than Baz himself, lying face first in the sand. His hair was a damp mess of bronze curls tangled with seaweed. His skin was another shade of gold, covered in freckles and moles, but caked with wet sand. Slowly, he lifted his head up, blinking sleepily as he focused on Baz. Bit by bit, a smile crept across his unfairly gorgeous face, crinkling the corners of his eyes. Baz almost gave up on breathing. The man’s eyes were plain blue. Not navy. Not cornflower. Not shot with hazel or violet. Just, blue. Yet somehow, it was the most breathtaking colour Baz had ever seen.

“Oh my,” he whispered. Though this man was handsome, Baz had to look away. For he was also completely naked.

Baz looked around the beach, and his eyes landed on an old piece of sail cloth. Not exactly fine couture, but it would do. He quickly grabbed the white cloth and held it out behind him to the mystery boy.

“Here,” he said quickly.

Many moments passed and Baz was still holding the cloth. Cautiously, he turned his head. Max sat obediently next to the stranger, tongue hanging out and tail wagging, waiting with characteristic excitement. The boy himself was kneeling on the sand, looking at the sail curiously. His bronze eyebrows furrowed together, lips pulled into a pouting frown. Baz found it insanely adorable. But he looked away again to resist temptation to look any lower.

“You can wear it,” Baz explained, a slight annoyed edge to his voice. “As clothing.”

The boy finally took the cloth, much to Baz’s relief. When he turned, he was mostly covered, but still struggling to wind it around himself. Baz shook his head with a sigh. Whoever this infinitely gorgeous man was, he was a little clumsy and possibly a bit dim. But...in a very cute way.

Baz put down his violin and kneeled in front of him. “Here, let me help,” he grumbled.

He helped wrapped the large fabric piece around him, then threw a corner over the stranger’s shoulder, turning it into a sort of Greek toga. A piece of frayed rope hung around the middle. So Baz tied it his waist to better hold up the makeshift outfit.

“There. Now you’re actually decent.”

Baz took gave him a good once over. The robe looked strange, but at least it covered him. The mystery man pulled and scratched at the fabric, like he wasn’t used to the sensation of it. Baz chewed on his lip. For some reason, his blue eyes and gold colouring seemed strangely familiar...

“So,” Baz said, voice pretending to be disinterested, “I should say hello, I suppose. May I ask your name?” The boy’s head snapped up and he nodded vigorously, a smile splitting across his face. Baz gave a half smile back. The anticipation for hearing his voice was reluctantly building. “Well then, spit it out. Don’t feel the need to build suspense.”

The boy opened his mouth to speak, but much to Baz’s shock and confusion, nothing came out. His lips and tongue moved like they were forming words, but there was only silence. The mystery man’s face fell, mouth slightly open and blue eyes round. His expression was somewhere between disappointed and forlorn. He softly traced over his freckled throat.

Baz’s heart sank. It’s not him, he thought sadly. It was a long shot to start with, but he was still disappointed. And this stranger looked so sad. Baz usually had little sympathy for anyone, but he certainly felt bad for this man. With an expression like that, there was no way he couldn’t. He shuffled forward a bit, knees nearly touching the man opposite him.

“You can’t speak?” Stranger shook his head, damp bronze curls shaking sadly. The corners of his lips turned down in a frown. It was a truly forlorn expression rather than confused like before. Baz pondered what to do. How was he supposed to learn about this man when he had no voice? But, words didn’t have to be spoken to be understood, really.

“Hey,” he said, catching his strange companion’s attention. “Can you spell it out? Your name?” The boy perked up and nodded. Baz offered his palm. “Then spell it here.”

Mystery boy’s eyes went wide for a second. He cautiously cupped Baz’s hand, fingertips dragging delicately there for a little longer than normal. Baz found the his hands strangely smooth, like sea glass. Much smoother than his own rough hands. (Everyone in his family tended to have rough hands.)

He pressed a smooth finger to Baz’s palm, and began to move it. “S...” Baz started, following his tracing. “I...M...O...N” He looked up at him with pulled together black brows. “Simon? Your name is Simon?”

The boy, or Simon, nodded rapidly. Baz nodded along with him. “Okay. Hello, Simon. I’m Baz.”

Simon tried to say “I know” back, but only breathed out more silence. His face twisted in frustration. Considering how rarely he used his voice when he had it, it was strange how much he missed it now. He wanted to shout at Baz. Shout, yes! I know! I know you’re name because I saved your life. And I saved you because you’re honourable and brave. I’m here now because I want to know even more about you and your amazing world.

But Simon had no voice to use. He thought about spelling it out in the sand. But...telling Baz would lead to difficult questions. “Where did you come from?” “How did you save me?” “What are you?” All of which he didn’t know how to answer yet.

Quickly, Simon perked up again, and just waved with a wide grin. Baz couldn’t help but smile. It was too damn cute.

“Well,” Baz said firmly, “do you live in Watford? Anywhere to stay?” Simon sighed and shook his head. “Okay then. You’ll have to come stay with me for now, I suppose. It only makes sense. Alright?”

Simon nodded again, so hard Baz feared his head would snap off. Baz stood up, and Simon followed. But suddenly, his legs wobbled like an unstable fawn and he fell forward.

“Shit! Careful!” Baz shouted just as he caught him. Max barked furiously at them both. Simon gripped his forearms, breathing heavily. Wow, he thought, legs are fucking weird. He looked up at Baz nervously. Simon’s heart was beating so hard with anticipation and happiness he feared it would burst.

While Baz, he felt his stomach drop like a lead weight. He had a terrible feeling that he could get lost in those plain blue eyes, and spend ages mapping the constellations of moles and freckles on this Simon’s face. He was beautiful in a way that physically ached. Even when he was awkwardly bent over in front of Baz with shaky legs, clutching to him for dear life, and dressed in a bloody tattered sail. Baz knew he was playing with fire. That these feelings were dangerous in so many ways.

But Baz had always had a thing for fire.

He hoisted Simon to his feet, then wrapped one of his arms around his neck. Simon leaned against him. His skin felt unbelievably electric on Baz’s. But Baz tried to ignore that for now in favour of helping his new companion just walk. That was the more important task.

“C’mon, one foot in front of the other,” Baz grumbled, though still going slowly as an example. Simon followed and got steadier with every step. Max barked as trotted along, almost like he was giving encouragement. Baz didn’t let go of Simon until they reached the castle. And he certainly didn’t let go of Baz.

———————————————-

“What on earth were you thinking, Basil?”

His father’s tone made Baz flinch. The last time he sounded like this was when he caught Baz smoking a pipe in a shed. What was scary was that Malcolm didn’t even need to raise his voice. The cold disapprovement was cutting enough.

“I was thinking of being a good future ruler,” he replied coolly.

“By taking in a stray?” Malcolm stood from his chair to better loom over his son. But Baz wasn’t intimidated. He merely straightened his back, clasping his long fingered hands in his lap.

“By taking in a misfortunate youth with no voice who washed up on the shores of our kingdom, probably from a shipwreck. I say that’s a noble cause worthy of a crown prince. Wouldn’t you?”

Malcolm scowled, teeth grinding together. “How do we know he’s not a spy from another kingdom? Sent to collect information?”

Baz scoffed. “Your paranoia has reached new heights, Father. But no, I don’t believe a boy no older than myself, that I found naked on a beach and could barely walk a mere few hours ago, is a spy.”

Malcolm seemed to ponder this for a moment, slowly sliding his bottom jaw back and forth. Baz just sat there, pretending he wasn’t nervous, when really a storm was brewing in the pit of his stomach. But when Malcolm let out his breath, so did Baz.

“Very well,” Malcolm grumbled. “He can stay for the time being. But he’s your responsibility, Basilton. Understood?”

Baz stood up, straightening his tunic. “Of course. I’ll feed him, play with him, and take him out for walks when he gets restless. Just like Max.” He earned a glare from his father, but Malcolm still waved him away. Baz breathed a long sigh of relief the second he was out the door.

When Baz entered his room, pushing apart the double doors, he immediately froze. There sat Simon, sitting on his bed. He wore a loose silk salmon colored tunic with tight waisted white riding trousers. They were Baz’s, given to Simon after the bath Daphne insisted he take. The sleeves and pant legs were rolled up to accommodate Simon’s shorter height. They were definitely more comfortable than a tattered sail. With the seaweed out of his hair and mud off his body, Simon looked even more beautiful. His wild curls shone brighter bronze, his freckled skin now all a gorgeous dirt-free tawny.

Baz wished he could fully appreciate him. But Mordelia’s presence put a damper on it.

“Your name is Simon, right?” she chirped, and he nodded. “Where are you from? Do you have parents? Do you have friends? Is Baz your friend now? He’s sort of a tosser though, so I wouldn’t be his friend. Are you-”

“Mordelia!” Baz barked, making both her and Simon jump and stare at him. “Stop bugging him and get out.”

“But-”

“Not ‘buts’, Mordy. Get out!”

Mordelia pouted, bottom lip unnecessarily pushed out. She shoulder checked him on the way out. Baz slammed the door behind her. He groaned, shaking his head.

“Sorry about that,” Baz grumbled. “My little sister is a royal pest.”

Simon shrugged, mouth spelling out but not saying, “it’s fine”. Baz sat opposite him on the bed. Simon was cross legged, hands holding his ankles. He was even more gorgeous up close. Baz could see the gold highlights created in his hair by candlelight and count every individual moles on his face. (Three on his right cheek, two below his left ear, and one under his left eye.) The smell of soap wafted off him. It reminded Baz of something brown and sweet. He tried very hard to ignore his brain, which just kept saying, there’s a beautiful boy in my bed, beautiful boy in my bed, beautiful boy in my bed!

Baz shook the thoughts from his head. “So how are you feeling? Much cleaner, I suppose.”

Simon smiled and held one thumb up. Baz chuckled.

“My father agreed to let you stay with us for the time being. Thankfully, he’s decided not to be a complete arsehole for once. You can sleep in the guest room next door. Is that alright?” Simon nodded. “Good. How are the clothes?”

He pouted again (how was it so cute?) and scratched at the sleeve. Simon shrugged, shoulders coming to his ears.

“Itchy?” Baz asked, and Simon nodded again with his cute frown. It wasn’t that bad actually, just unfamiliar to the former merman. Though he was starting to get used to it. Baz sighed exasperatedly, shaking his head. “It’s the softest silk I could find, Simon. I’m not sure we have anything better for your apparently delicate tastes.”

Simon rolled his eyes. Years of being friends with Penelope had trained him well for sarcastic remarks. His expression said with equal mocking, “I’ll live.”

Baz couldn’t help but give a lopsided smile. Just one half of his mouth pulled up. Baz didn’t like to smile, or show his emotions period. But this sunshiny boy, with his blue eyes and bronze curls, seemed to attack all his defenses. It was a scary and wonderful thing all at once.

“C’mon,” Baz said, gesturing as he slid off the bed. “It’s supper time.”

Simon jumped off the mattress with a bounce. He grinned with all his teeth, hiding none of his radiant joy. Baz chuckled under his breath. This Simon was certainly strange, but also entertaining, and endearingly sweet. Baz couldn’t ignore the way that made his heart stutter.

———————————————-

Dinner with the Grimm family was usually just that, grim. It was conducted without speaking, save for the occasional kingdom matters discussion between Malcolm and Daphne. So when Baz and Simon arrived at the table, the deafening silence was not out of the ordinary for the prince. But Simon found it a bit strange. Baz’s father looked like a white haired sea snake, ready to go for the kill at any moment. And everyone else, including the baby, just looked bored. Was this how all humans ate meals? Or just these ones?

“Basil,” Malcolm said.

“Father,” Baz replied coolly.

They took their seats opposite all of Baz’s younger siblings. Baz noticed that Simon looked down at the place setting with confusion, like he’d never seen one before. He picked up the fork and spun it in his fingers, examining it with a close eye. Then, to everyone’s confusion and slight horror, he started running the tongs through his bronze curls. He combed the ringlets up with a wide grin on his face. Malcolm and Daphne’s eyes went wide. Mordelia and the twins tried to contain their laughter. The baby didn’t even try, burbling with giggles. Baz put his fist to his mouth to hide the smile he couldn’t help.

Simon suddenly noticed everyone staring, freezing with the fork still wound in his thick hair. Baz slowly reached up and pulled his fork holding hand down. He shook his head slowly. Simon promptly turned beet red, flushed all the way to his ears and neck as he looked down. The children were still giggling. Baz patted Simon’s hand reassuringly under the table. Simon’s eyes flicked over to him, lips pulled up in an apologetic smile. He hooked a finger around Baz’s for, just a second. And Baz nearly turned just as red as him.

“Dinner is served,” a servant thankfully announced.

Silver plates were brought out from the kitchen, placed on the long mahogany table in front of every person. The servants lifted the silver covers. Puree for the baby, roasted chicken for the kids, and red crab with garden salads for the adults. Simon was immediately taken aback, pushing against his chair with wide eyes.

Simon didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t really explain that he was actually a merman who’d never eaten a sea creature. He ate sea vegetables mostly or animals captured from land. But never another living thing from the ocean. It felt sort of wrong. It would be impossible to explain even with words. So he just poked at the crab shell with his fork over and over again.

“Simon,” Baz started with exasperated tone, “don’t you know it’s rude to play wi-”

Simon looked up and Baz’s breath immediately hitched. He looked pained, face all pinched up like someone had needled him the gut. He poked the shellfish again and shrugged.

“What? Not a fan of crab?”

Simon shook his head, bent over in embarrassment. He didn’t like this. It was just reminding him that as much as he loved it, he wasn’t really a part of this world. But at the same time he couldn’t bring himself to do something so against his nature.

Baz sighed, long and heavy. If this were anyone else, he’d tell them to just get over it. But Simon’s face, red and ashamed and distressed, could somehow not be so easily dismissed by him. Once again, his cold defences faltered under sunshine. So he turned to the kitchen and called, “Chef Pritchard, it appears our guest here is picky and doesn't wish to eat the crab. Can you please get him something else?”

“Of course, your highness,” the chef replied.

“Thank you.”

A serving man whisked away Simon’s crab plate. Simon looked at Baz with what he hoped was a thankful enough expression. If Simon had complained like that to his father, he would’ve been told to suck it up. But for once, he didn’t feel stupid for voicing his opinion (well, voicing in a way.) Baz merely nodded in acknowledgement. But Simon didn’t miss the soft pull at the corners of his lips. It made Simon’s stomach feel so warm.

As Baz ate his crab, he tried to will his blush to disappear. He prayed to God his father didn’t notice. And maybe, just a little, that Simon did.

———————————————-

Later that night, Simon laid in the plush bed, staring up at the ceiling. Candle light from his bedside flickered shadows across the stone. The images was like nothing he’d ever seen before. Poseidon’s Beard, everything was like nothing he’d ever seen before. He didn’t know a bed could be so soft and not made of coral. He’d never realised how great clothes could feel, now that he was used to them. And even though legs were still strange (how did the humans operate two limbs at once to move?!), he took great enjoyment in the little things he could do with them. Like wiggle his toes and shuffle his feet on the carpet. He really liked this whole being human thing.

“Simon!”

Simon bolted up in bed. He looked around his empty room. The only sound was a tapping at the window behind his bed. Cautiously, he turned to it. A seagull was hitting the glass with it’s bill. What in Neptune’s name, Simon thought.

“Simon!” It screeched again. Simon scrambled back, wondering if that spell had messed with his brain as well as changed his body. Wait, he knew that voice.

“Penny?” Simon mouthed. The seagull nodded.

“Yes, it’s me, Simon. Open the damn window.”

He cautiously crawled forward and unlatched the window. Seagull-Penny flew in, landing on Simon’s mattress. She ruffled her white feathers and grinned as best she could with a seagull beak.

“Neat, huh?” She said. “My possession has gotten much better.”

Clearly, Simon thought, nodding slowly.

“How’s the prince seduction going? He kiss you yet?”

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. It’d only been a day. Penelope was obviously being optimistic just to make him feel better.

She sighed, which came out more as a honk. “That’s too bad. Hope he does it soon.”

He reached forward and patted her feathered head, mouthing, “me too.”

“How is he, anyway, your prince? When he’s not unconscious. Do you like him?”

Simon chuckled, then sighed dreamily. It was odd. Baz was wonderful in the most confounding ways. He did nice things for Simon with sarcasm attached but did them all the same. And it wasn’t the truly cruel berating Simon was used to from his father. Baz was a very strange, very good person. So Simon did like him, quite a lot.

He could feel the colour creeping up his cheeks. (That kept happening today.) He bit at his bottom lip and nodded. Penny smiled brightly with her seagull face.

“Marvelous. Glad you didn’t sacrifice your voice and magic for nothing.”

He laughed without sound, head thrown back. Penelope the Seagull honked as well.

“Simon?” Baz said from outside the door, knocking once.

Simon’s spine straightened, and Penny-Gull froze. “Shit,” she hissed. “I’ll see you later. Promise.” Simon nodded in agreement as he shooed her out the window, latching it behind her. He rushed to the door, smoothing his hair once before opening it.

Baz stumbled back as Simon shoved his head through the crack. He nearly dropped the plate in his hand. Simon just looked at him with a grin, not moving to open the door further.

“May I come in?” He asked, both annoyed and amused. Simon’s mouth formed an ‘o’, then he nodded, opening the door all the way.

Simon sped walked to his bed and jumped on it with a thump. Baz sat gingerly in front of him. He placed the cloth covered plate between them. Simon looked at it with profound confusion.

“Ah, here,” Baz said. He pulled off the napkin to reveal six freshly baked pastries. “Compliments of Chef Pritchard. She wanted to welcome you with her specialty. They’re called sour cherry scones. Try one, they’re quiet good.”

Simon picked one up gingerly. It was warm, crumbly, and smelt wonderful. He took a cautious bite, and his eyes went wide. It was the most delicious thing he’d ever tasted. The sugary, fruity taste exploded over his tongue. He chomped down, finishing it in three bites. He took another and ate it just as ravenously. Baz make a slightly horrified noise.

“Dear lord,” he chuckled. “Your manners are absolutely atrocious.”

Simon stuck his scone crumb covered tongue out and took another defiant bite. Baz chuckled more, picking up a treat before Simon ate all of them. Far too soon though, Simon had consumed every last cherry flavoured crumb. He licked his fingers happily. Baz tried to shove down all the inappropriate thoughts that motion created.

“So,” Baz started, “tomorrow I have a dreadfully boring council meeting in the afternoon. But I’m free in the morning. Would you...like to do something?”

Simon nodded vigorously. Yes please, yes please, he thought. Baz nodded only once.

“Good. Get a good night’s rest, then. We’ll have to wake early.” He picked up the empty scone plate and stood straight backed by the bed. “Goodnight, Simon.”

Simon beamed brightly and waved, mouthing “goodnight” with a smile. Baz smiled politely, then grinned wider as he walked out the door.

Once he heard the click of the doorknob, Simon sighed and fell back onto his mattress. He felt like he was floating. For the first time, his life felt like his own. No worrying about his stupid magic or his father’s expectations. Just imagining what he would do with Baz tomorrow. And by Neptune, he couldn’t wait.

He blew out his candle and snuggled down into his pillow. As he dreamt, all Simon saw was grey eyes and raven hair.

———————————————-

See you on Thursday! :)