the-curious-butterfly

[the-curious-butterfly]

Merry UnBirthday to You.

My Dearest Daughter,

I am sending you this letter for it has been too long since I saw you last. Yes, I know you'll groan out how it's only been two months, but time moves rather quickly for an old Queen. Literally, I had to run just to keep up with him, perhaps I should stop going to his castle and have him come to mine if it's really so important. He has been going on and on about something rather odd concerning cupcakes and paradoxes lately, but I digress. The matters of Time are not for the concerns of youth.

What is of concern however is your birthday coming up next week. Oh, I've just been so excited I already had the frog and fish butlers start planning it despite not knowing if you'll even be able to attend. I do hope you can and will, you can even bring that little friend with you, the one you fancy so much. Chloe Charming. You know, Ella really knew what she was doing when she raised that girl, lives up to her name in every way. Unlike Charming himself, no matter what Ella claims he was all face, personality speaking he was a mess. I was definitely the better choice.

Ahem, I probably shouldn't have said that. Wait, oh quill, please don't write that either. Drat, I really should get into the habit of writing my own letters instead of dictating them out to stationary. You know how feathers are, no mind for things that really should be omitted. As straightforward and as honest as an ostrich. Please do not show this letter to Chloe, I would hate for her to know what I think of her father. He really was good to Ella.

Anyway, I'd love to hear back from you soon, with confirmation that you and the young Charming will indeed be capable of attending. Oh, it's going to be so much fun, and don't worry. I'll have something special planned for the two of you. You can always count on your mum.

With warm regards,

Bridget of Hearts

The proudest mum in the world to have you as a daught-

Wait, no no no you don't have to write that last par

Long after they finished reading it Red and Chloe, whose head was on her shoulder, could only stare at the letter in Red's hands. It was certainly a letter to say the least. Though what had both of them glued to its contents were vastly different things. For Chloe, it was the confirmation of seeing that Bridget did indeed once have a crush on her mother (perhaps still did) and harbored a mini grudge on her father for being the one she chose instead. Couldn't blame the Queen of Hearts for that though, her mother was a catch and deserved only the best. Even if her younger self was a little difficult to be around sometimes.

For Red it was learning the fact that she has a birthday now. Something she never had before since her mother from her original timeline outlawed them long before she was born. Though the letter didn't specify the day apparently it's in October, and also she's getting a party.

A party just to celebrate her existence. Something other children in other places got but she could only ever dream to have.

...

"Wow, I didn't know your birthday was so soon."

"I didn't either." There wasn't really much else to say but the truth, though if Chloe understood the nuance she didn't bring attention to it. "Should we ask Principal Uma for permission to leave?"

Red nods then shakes her head, finally folding up the letter but still holding onto it. "I don't know."

Which is fair so Chloe gives an understanding hum in response. "We'll have to find some way to figure out what day it is first, so you can think about it in the meantime. Just so that you know it's whatever you decide, Red, no one is going to make you."

Red wants to say she knows but "She's already planning it, Chloe, how am I supposed to say no."

"Of course she is, she's excited and she's missing you. But, I also know that the Bridget I remember would never hold it against you if you decided you couldn't show. She loves you too much."

Red wants that sentiment to mean something she really does, but the Bridget she remembers also managed to turn into the one they left behind.

"I'll give it some thought."

"Great, oh and Red."

"Yes, Chloe?"

Chloe takes one of Red's hands and brings to back of it up to her lips. "Happy Birthday, my princess."

This did indeed manage to bring a hint of a smile back to Red's face, just as Chloe had hoped for.

"In Wonderland it's Happy UnBirthday if it's not the right day. I really do have to find out what the right day is, so that you can do this again on the correct one."

"I'll do it every day for the rest of our lives if that's what it takes."

Clocks, that was so cheesy how was Red not supposed to shove her away.

[the-curious-butterfly]

Who~

Asked the other out first: Chloe asked Red after her team encouraged her to just do it and get it over with cause the suspense was killing them.

Gives the other flowers: Mostly Chloe, she'll pass by a flower stall and not be able to resist buying a singular rose and she'll end up picking the color based on what she wants to say. Most of the time it'll be red for I love you. Sometimes it's yellow for you make me happy. And just every so often it will be blue for I'm sorry. Red never tells her but she loves the blue ones the most because they're Chloe's color, even though she only picks them when there is something she wants to apologize for.

Is the most spoiled: Red, whatever she wants is what she gets. Not because she demands to have it but because Chloe can't hear the words "Oh, this is actually really cute" without feeling that urge to purchase everything Red even looks at. But, she knows she shouldn't. She knows that everything is best enjoyed in moderation. Just a couple bags full here and there is fine.

Initiates hand holding: Red, even though she loves Chloe very much physical touch is still not very high on her list. Which is made more complicated when she finally realizes that she does indeed want to do things like that with Chloe it's just complex. Turns out her love for Chloe and her aversion to touch are separate things, but the fact that Chloe has been nothing but understanding about it has made it easier to want to bridge the gap between them.

Is the big spoon: Chloe, but this only came about after a long period of dating. It came as a huge surprise to her when Red asked to sleep in the same bed. She tried to insist that they didn't need to do so much, but Red insisted that she wanted to and that she was ready. So after Red had gotten into bed and found a comfortable spot Chloe got in behind her. Slowly, as if she was holding a precious treasure, she lifted her arm and placed it around the other girl, letting it rest atop a stiff hand that needed a minute or two before it could relax.

Though she couldn't see Red's face she heard a sound that was unmistakable, but instead of drawing attention to it, like she knew Red would hate, she intertwined their fingers together. Giving a gentle squeeze that spoke volumes of how much Chloe loved her and, after a short moment, Red returned the favor by lifting their intertwined hands and kissing each one of Chloe's knuckles.

It was so unexpected coming from Red that Chloe had to stifle a gasp. She didn't want anything ruining this intimate and perfect moment. Instead, when Red lowers their hands they both close their eyes and drift off peacefully into sleep. Safe and sound with their fairytale lying right next to them.

[the-curious-butterfly]

Incorrect Rise of Red Quote:

Bridget with earmuffs: Somebody get me a teaspoon please.

Red with a blindfold: Got it. *Hands her a fork.*

Bridget: Thank you. Olive oil!

*Finally sees what she has in her hand.*

Bridget: What the flamingo feathers is this?!

[the-curious-butterfly]

Whenever Red wants something badly enough she knows exactly what to say to Chloe in order to get it. Or, more precisely, she knows exactly what to call her.

Nicknames and Pet names are not uncommon for them, in fact coming up with unique names for each other was like a competitive sport between them sometimes.

Red Rabbit was something that always got a chuckle out of Red no matter how ridiculous she thought it sounded. Yup, that was a keeper.

Another keeper was something Red quickly figured out, and it would drive the other girl wild. Perhaps it has something to do with her parents story. Her father made a name for himself as this, and it felt like she was honoring that. Perhaps it was also because Red was the one saying it.

Whatever it was, it was safe to say that it filled the girl with an immense amount of pride and satisfaction from all the implications of it.

Red: Hey, Prince Charming, do you think you could put that book down for a second. I could really use my prince right now.

Chloe already putting it away at the speed of light: Coming, Red.

[the-curious-butterfly]

She never wanted to be like her mother.

[the-curious-butterfly]

She is her father's daughter.

[the-curious-butterfly]

Chloe: Did you see Uliana's face when she opened that book? She was all *Does a perfectly ridiculous imitation of the moment.*

Red: Wish I could see her while she's stuck home on the night of castlecoming. I bet she's like *Exaggerated pouty face.*

Chloe: *laughs.*

Red doesn't even realize she's biting her lip as she stares at that laugh. That sweet and innocent laugh which was filled with so much mirth it showed with her eyes. It's not that she hasn't seen anyone laugh before, she has seen many instances. Most of those instances were from her mother whenever a crazed yet awful idea would land itself in her head. She has seen true joyful laughter before though, however few moments there were of it. Back when she had friends for what felt like the shortest moment in her life. They may not have lasted long, but their impact on her was profound. It was losing them that made her decide she'd never have friends again.

Except here Chloe was taking those plans and tearing them into pieces just to discard them at her feet. She didn't even realize she was doing it, or even that something had changed in the way Red would look at her. For as corny as it sounds Red would swear that while she has seen the moon shine on a starlit ocean, it could never compare to the beauty of an incandescent light bulb flickering above as Chloe Charming closed her eyes. Lips parted and teeth bared as she giggled away all those plans of goodbye Red had been forming inside her head.

She should have known she'd never be able to say goodbye.

Not now when she needs Chloe to laugh like that again and again, and for her to be the reason for it every time.

Strange, Red always saw herself as someone who could maybe enjoy a fling or two. Not exactly someone who could ever fall completely in love.

Isn't it funny how one simple moment can change everything.

[the-curious-butterfly]

What if our parents were once friends but we didn't know.

What if the first time I met you you were so cold.

What if I had your mom killed just for standing up.

And you looked at me with eyes that said sorry will never be enough.

What if I had managed to do what I had planned,

Be like my mother in taking a stand,

Would you have also taken my head into your hands?

What if I hadn't stopped you, and my mother made me kill you too.

I don't think I could bear it now knowing what I do.

What if instead I took us back in time.

Gave the lives we know a serious rewind.

Just so that one day you could be mine.

And I could love you without the guilt,

That your mother's blood would have built.

Except in another place another time,

I'm still the one who let her die.

And I can't understand how you can look at me with eyes so wide.

Saying you'll forgive me because of how much I've tried.

She still died.

She died.

She was suppose to die.

And it was my fault.

Red,

It doesn't even sound like my name when you say it that way.

It sounds like love.

(but love ain't it)

Or so I've been told since I could sit.

What if I went back and undid what we've done.

Because a game against time can never be won.

And even though I've learned it way too late.

What if this time I leave you behind,

So that you can once again look at me with eyes of hate.

I don't want to forget you, Red.

I'm sorry, Chloe.

.

.

.

Worst part is,

While I know it's selfish,

I'll still want you to forgive me some day.

[the-curious-butterfly]

@novaenocyon it is now canon.

the varsity jacket

based on this post by @the-curious-butterfly bc apparently my brain can not read something cute and NOT create a whole scenario/fic in my mind-

-----

It’s because Red has nothing else to do, okay?

She’s free after class on the days that Chloe has practice, and it’s not like she’s like those goody two shoes to start on her homework a week before it's due (unlike someone she knows) or have any other friends to bother, so that is why she is on the Tourney field. She would never admit it to herself but she misses her roommate sometimes, especially when they don’t have all the same classes and Chloe doesn’t look at her or treat her differently because she’s from Wonderland; Red misses Chloe, and coming to see her practices before they head off to their dorm together afterwards has become a highlight of Red’s week.

She has a favorite spot: the seventh seat from the left in the second row, one that is not too close to the field so that dirt doesn’t shower into her face whenever the players skirt by, and one that is not too far so as to not make out each and every one of Chloe’s expressions while she leads and directs her team members. Red loves how expressive Chloe is, how smart her eyes look when they sparkle in elaborating strategic plays and how strong and confident she seems whenever she stands in that way with bent knees demonstrating the correct way to hit the ball.

She likes to bring her sketchbook sometimes just to capture those moments.

Chloe seems to have noticed how Red has a favorite spot. She glances Red’s way at the beginning of practice every time, Red trying to grin whenever Chloe would make an excited hop when she would wave back. When the breeze first turns chilly and the weather starts getting more cold, Chloe lends Red her varsity jacket, claiming that it would be on her conscience and she would feel bad should Red acquire a cold at one of her practices.

Red didn’t even have the time or energy to complain. She can feel her cheeks heat up in embarrassment and that weird fluttery emotion in her chest she’s noticing recently around Chloe and her stupid affectionate gestures when Chloe wrapped it around her shoulders, the entire school’s eyes on them as Chloe patted her arm. 

“There you are, Princesse, don’t cause too much trouble without me, okay?”

Red watches her run back to her team with a slackened jaw, the jacket unnecessary as the name Charming burns a hole into her back.

Since then Chloe has never failed to leave the damn thing on Red’s spot. She would arrive with her black sketchbook and deck of cards to fiddle with, with a folded blue varsity jacket saving her seat. Red wonders fleetingly why nobody ever moves it because teenagers can be quite a selfish crowd, but after it happens the fifth time, she casts it out of her head.

Occasionally the jacket would reveal a surprise. There was one time where Red had removed it to discover a note, one that said “you didn’t take the trash out today” with a little sad face, another where she found chocolates waiting for her that left an uplifting smile on her lips.

Red would shuffle her cards and send one out to the field to circle around Chloe to show her appreciation whenever this happens, secretly adoring the excited giggle it would induce. 

Red loves the jacket, loves wearing it every time Chloe leaves it out for her. She worries that it’s stenched with her perfume with how often she wears it but Chloe never seems to mind so she eventually stops too.

Especially when the whole school knows to stay the hell away from Red’s favorite spot on the bleachers. 

It’s reserved.

[the-curious-butterfly]

Red will go to every single one of Chloe's practices and she'll be sitting in the same spot every time. Chloe has also noticed this and has taken to leaving her little things at that spot. Most of the times it's snacks. Sometimes it's notes.

But no matter what her varsity jacket will always be there. While it was meant as a cute gesture, everyone in the school knows it means that spot is reserved for the captain's girl.

And Chloe is not going to correct them.

[the-curious-butterfly]

♥️ 💙

Red: Look, Blue, there's something that's been on my mind for a while, and I don't think I can keep it inside anymore.

Blu- I mean, Chloe internally: Oh my godmother, is it finally happening, is she going to tell me that she loves me?

Chloe trying her very best to keep it cool: Yeah, Red?

Red: When we went back in time and fought over the watch, why did you jump off the balcony instead of taking the stairs that were right next to you?

Chloe:...

Chloe: I just, just thought it would be cool.

Red: Awww, Chloe, you know I think you're cool.

Chloe: You didn't think I was cool then though.

Red: No, you're right, I did not.

Chloe:... Not even a little bit?

Red: Not even.

Red internally: I think it's okay to admit it now when she's literally your girlfriend.

Also Red internally: I will take that admission to my grave.

💙 ♥️

[the-curious-butterfly]

Today just feels like a day for firsts so this is for them.

Chloe was sitting on her bed doing schoolwork when Red came, more like barreled, in. She had thought to greet her roommate or say anything really, but all the words got caught in her throat as soon as she looked up and saw the look on her face. There was this intensity to her eyes that would have been frightening if it wasn’t for the fact she was also smiling. Though their eyes met for only a second before she beelined it towards Chloe. Taking the Charming completely by surprise as all she could get out was a “Red, what-“ and then she couldn’t speak anymore. Suddenly her lips were too busy with something soft and tender and…oh.

Funny, she originally thought of herself as more resistant to give in but the minute she felt those lips she was done for. Her body gave a quiet sigh as it went limp, the only thing holding her up was Red who had wrapped her arms around her the moment she sat upon the edge of the bed. Pulling her closer and closer to the point Chloe felt like she would break, but also that it wasn’t close enough.

Chloe has heard and read about first kisses. None of that had prepared her for this. Where first kisses are described as slow, soft, and sweet. Red is quick, intense, and yet still somehow so sweet. While her movements may seem erratic Chloe could tell she was being rather mindful, especially with her teeth. At one point Red even bit her bottom lip, though only enough to tease not to hurt. Her hands, which travel up and down her back now, feel more soothing rather than needing.

How is it possible that Red is kissing her senseless, yet reassuring her that she isn’t losing her senses all at the same time.

It’s so Red. So very very Red. Just like this first kiss.

This perfect first-

…Wait.

After what felt like a lifetime, but was really only moments, Chloe had found the strength to place her hands upon Red’s arms and slowly push her away. Breaking the intensity but not the kiss, not completely anyway. Red’s lips chased hers, though she wasn’t the only one to blame.

“Wait, wait.” Oh good, she hadn’t completely lost her voice. She had been worried about that for a minute. Before she could say anymore, however, Red took her breath away once more for a completely different reason. Something was being held before her that she swears wasn’t there a second ago, something circular that looks oddly enough like a-

“What, Red?!”

“No this isn’t me proposing, not yet at least, this is me saying I don’t mind the thought of marrying you either. Someday.”

All Chloe could do was stare at Red, because really what is she suppose to say to that? Was she suppose to reach out and take the ring? Which was silver and plain looking, but that’s not what mattered. Chloe wouldn’t have cared if it was plastic, what she cares about is the person offering it to her and saying they’re fine with her.

“I talked to Principal Uma and she helped me realize a few things. Number one being, Chloe, if I ever get to the point where I do marry you. It’ll be because I chose to, and how could I regret choosing the first person who believed I was more than what I seemed?”

Chloe stared at the ring then up into Red’s intense yet genuine gaze. “But…I also told you that you weren’t more than what you seemed when we met.”

The answer came after a spot of laughter. “I told you the same thing too, I called you a privileged little princess.”

“I am-was a privileged little princess.” Chloe could admit that now. Red on the other hand was never evil, not the way her mom is…or well was?

“You sure you’re not still are?” She raises a perfectly constructed brow as she teases Chloe. Prompting said girl to shove her off the bed, ring still in hand. “Hey, at least accept this first before you kick me off.”

“Nope, keep teasing me and I might never.”

Red feigns a rather audible gasp. “You wouldn’t!”

Chloe looks down at the pouting child before relenting with a sigh. “You’re right, I wouldn’t, I love you too much to do that.”

There it was, Chloe said it. It was the first time she told Red that she loved her. Six months after you start dating, even if you hadn’t had your first kiss yet, was enough time right? She sure hoped so, except Red isn’t responding nor can she read the expression on her face.

Oh fairy godmother, this was a mistake wasn’t it?

It was a mistake. It was a mistake.

“It was-“

She couldn’t even finish as a pair of lips had defended upon her once more. Though this kiss was a lot different from the first. It was much more like the ones she’s read and heard about. It’s so very soft, slow, and sweet. It’s fireworks and fairy song and everything she’s ever imagined. Red’s arms are sitting on her shoulders this time so Chloe places hers around the other girl’s waist. Something small falls onto one of the sheets of paper scattered around her bed, but she’s too focused on Red to care about what it is.

She takes this to mean a good thing, even if Red hadn’t said it back. The fact that she’s kissing Chloe like this must be a good sign.

That thought gets reinforced when Red pulls away to rest her forehead against Chloe’s. “I’m not very good at the whole feeling thing so I didn’t know how else to respond. Just, know that it wouldn’t feel enough to say that I like you.”

Chloe’s smile in response is so radiant she’s pretty sure she should have gotten the name Charming for that alone. Red herself could barely look at it, but she couldn’t look away either.

Except suddenly that radiant smile turned into an amused frown. “Did you say you went to Principal Uma for advice?”

“Yes…look, I had to go to someone and Maddox is a whole kingdom away.”

“So you went to the Principal? Shouldn’t that be something I would do?”

“What can I say, maybe you’re rubbing off on me.”

“Or maybe you respect certain authority more than you like to let on.”

“Chloe Charming, you take that right back this instant.”

“Or else what?” At this point Chloe unconsciously starts rubbing Red’s back through the fabric of her riot jacket. Red’s response is to rub their noses together.

“Or else I’ll stop hanging out with you.”

“Hanging out? Is that what we’ve been doing?”

“Have we not, that’s what people do isn’t it?”

“Red, you really do need more friends.”

Red gently bites Chloe’s left ear causing Chloe to give out a soft yelp. “First of all, rude. Second, why would I need more friends when I have you?”

“That’s exactly what someone who needs more friends would say. Wait, don’t you dare bite the other one!”

Too late, she bit the other one too.

[the-curious-butterfly]

While it wasn’t quite so early in the morning when the infamous Red of Hearts decided to barge into her office, again, it was around the time Uma was about to sit down and enjoy a quick cup of coffee before the more hectic parts of her day would begin. So perhaps you could forgive her for entertaining the thought of throwing the red head out the window. It was only for a second, she would assure you. As a principle she must not condone violence.

As a pirate, well, that’s different.

But she’s actually gotten quite use to Red coming into her office what feels like every other day, sometimes welcomed sometimes not, always for one reason or another. That a part of her actually kind of expected it.

What she did not expect was for Red to fling/splay herself upon the couch as if she was in a therapy session and for the first words out of her mouth to be. “Chloe won’t kiss me.”

Uma very nearly did a spit take as she placed her mug down upon her desk. “What?” Was the girl really coming to her Principal for relationship advice? Not that she was any bad at it, but really?

Red ignored the sound of Uma nearly choking in favor of her own problems. “At first I thought it was because she didn’t actually like me like that. That she only agreed to date me because I had no experience with love and she felt bad for me. I mean, every time I tried to take our relationship to the next level she always turned away, how could I not think that right?”

“Hmm.”

“Except I finally confronted her about it and you know what she says?”

“I can’t imagine what it could be.” Uma genuinely means that too, everyone knows Chloe really likes Red, like a lot. Whatever is holding her back has to be rather significant.

“She said, I can’t kiss you Red, if I do then I’ll have to marry you.”

Oh hex, Uma should not have tried to take another sip so soon. This time her throat was too preoccupied to even get the word out so she thought it in her head. ‘What?’ Fortunately the lack of response didn’t matter to Red in the least.

“Suffice to say, that really threw me for a loop so I very calmly and gently asked her ‘what the hex are you talking about?’ And her response was ‘that’s how it always happens, Red. Once true loves kiss is shared it’s marriage and happily ever after. Don’t get me wrong, I really like you, and don’t mind at all the thought of marrying you. But we’re only sixteen, and what if you find out being tied down with me is not what you wanted. After all you’re all about-“

“Breaking rules and causing trouble?”

“She used the word freedom.”

“Course she did. Red, did you come to me for reassurance that wedding bells won’t start ringing the second your lips touch your Charming’s?”

Though she provides no response Red gives her a look that is actually rather innocent coming from her, cluing Uma in that she’s on the right track.

“Look, I can’t say that it won’t. She’s right, these fairytales feel like they happen fast. You two have all the makings of a fairytale if I ever saw one, and I was even there to witness Ben and Mal back in the day.” She pauses for a moment as she considers her next words. “But let me ask you something. Would that really be so bad?”

“I’m…not sure.” Red’s response is rather honest and genuine so Uma continues with the same.

“Red, these people didn’t get married because their fairytale told them to. It’s because they loved each other so much that the thought of cementing it in stone, or carving it out into the hull of a ship just felt right.”

Red really looked as if she was truly taking in what Uma was saying…for once.

“Now, to think you’ll be married so soon after your first kiss is a bit of an exaggeration. That kid is surprisingly sheltered for one so good with swords.”

“Tell me about it.”

“But, if it does happen some time in the future. I ask again, would it really be so bad?”

After a moment of thought Red offers Uma a small and genuine smile. “No, I don’t think it would.”

“Now go get that kiss.” Huh, why does that line remind her of something from years ago, royals are so weird. “And for the love of the sea can you please stop breaking into my office with or without me in it!”

“Thanks a lot, Principal Uma, I’ll see you later.” Red calls back as she leaves rather cheerfully, causing Uma to grin despite herself.

“Red of Hearts, I know you heard me.”

….

“Red!”

[the-curious-butterfly]

Red barging into the Principle’s Office: Principle Uma!

Principle Uma: Red, that door was locked and my secretary is right outside, how did you get in here?

Red: Did you really tell Chloe she’s not allowed to give me special attention for a week because, and I quote, we both agreed that you should have to answer for your crimes somehow.

Principle Uma: You can’t just keep doing whatever the hex you please.

Red: That is low.

Principle Uma: Red, I’m a pirate, going low is in my nature.

Red: Funny, I figured pirates would prefer to stay on the ship not drown in the water.

Principle Uma: What’s funny is that the big bad Red came crying because she got her cuddle time interrupted.

Red slams her hands down on the desk: Oh yeah, well-

The secretary: Miss Uma, it’s time for your meeting with Fairy Godmother.

Principle Uma: Oh thank godmother, it’s time for you to get going, Red.

Red: This is not over.

Principle Uma: I say it is. Now, have a nice week.

[the-curious-butterfly]

Chloe with her nose deep in a history book walks by Red who is standing precariously on the top of a ladder.

Chloe without looking up: Hey, Red.

Red pauses in her spray painting to give the can another shake: Hey, Chloe.

Chloe suddenly stops, turns around, and looks up.

Chloe: …Red…

Red: Yes, Princess?

Chloe somewhat touched but also horrified: Why are you spray painting my likeness to the side of the school?

Red flutters her eyelashes at her: Do you like it?

Chloe: Yes…no….why?

Red: Thought the school could use a splash of color, what with all the gray and the…gray.

Chloe: So you chose to paint me?

Red: What else would be more worthy than my beautiful princess?

Chloe: Red, as sweet as that is please get rid of it, before Principle Uma sees.

Red: Relax, Boo, I’ll be enchanting it before she even has a chance to see it.

Principle Uma: Before I have a chance to see what?

Red: Oh hearts.

[the-curious-butterfly]

Principle Uma: Charming, I need you to do the thing.

Chloe: What thing?

Principle Uma: That thing you do that makes Wonderland Princess here behave for two minutes.

Chloe sighs then proceeds to get Red’s attention: Hey, Red.

Red: Yeah?

*She looks up to find Chloe giggling in that cute way she does and just stares at her with that dopey smile no one can prove she has or else she’ll stab them.*

Principle Uma: Thanks.

*She grabs Red by the back of her jacket and drags her to detention.*

Principle Uma: Try to convince me it wasn’t you who vandalized the teacher’s lounge now.

[the-curious-butterfly]

Decided to do one of those little head-canon things.

First things first:

Chloe looks like cinnamon roll.

Red does not.

Makes sense right? Chloe is a good girl who eats her vegetables, reads history books for fun, and goes to bed on time.

Red is a wildcard that breaks out (of her own house) and causes destruction (of her own house.)

Going by that, it would be safe to assume Chloe is indeed a cinnamon roll and Red could kill you without breaking a sweat. And you would be forgiven for thinking that.

Except Chloe has been learning to use a sword since she was five. Has sparred with the every knight stationed at her family’s castle at least twice by the time she was nine. And won her first competition at thirteen.

Red, on the other hand, was twelve when she decided she’d finally had enough and start breaking rules. Which usually meant just breaking things in general, and sometimes finding creative outlets for her artistic expression.

Red was a girl of hard edges around a soft interior. Chloe was soft features that hid a duty hardened soul.

It was one of the things that made them perfect for each other.

Red has never known what it means to feel safe her whole life. All Chloe knows is how to protect that which matters most.

It took a long time for her to prove it to Red, but when she did it was like she was seeing the girl for the first time. Not Red the closed off rebel, but Red the girl. And yes while she has seen Red look vulnerable before, it was never like this.

Never with eyes so wide open and almost scared, but also hopeful as Chloe kneeled before her. Sword plunged into the ground at her side as she swore to always be there for her, if Red would have her.

Of course the only way Chloe knew how to confess was how a knight would, it just made so much sense. How could Red ever have anyone else after this.

It would be impossible.

Just like they are in a way. The daughter of the Queen of Hearts with her very own Princess Charming.

But living in Wonderland wasn’t completely terrible. Sometimes good things did shine through the bad. She remembers hearing the stories of Alice and the importance of believing in impossible things. Six before breakfast, my dear, no more no less. At least one of those things has to come true.

Red thought it was hogwash, but it didn’t stop her heart from trying.

Except it’s not hogwash for one of those things has come true, and she couldn’t care less if it never happens again.

Chloe was her one impossible thing she’d spend the rest of her life being grateful for.