February 14th wasn't a very special day... To me at least, but apparently among the seniors in the academy it was different...A valentine's carnival was in town, they said it was here every February 14th but it only permitted senior students because it's rumored that in the Valentine's carnival you will find true love.
I stand there staring at the newly pinned poster on the bulletin board of the senior students. "I didn't know they celebrated Valentine's Day here too..." I mumbled softly as I thought about it for a moment.
"Are...You unfamiliar with Valentine's day, my lady?" I hear a gentle voice beside me. I flinch slightly in surprise as I glance at Harry with a smile, his gloved hand gently pushing up his glasses up his nose as he does as a habit when his glasses were too big for him.
"Well...I've never heard of it so I'm naturally curious," I laughed slightly as he nodded. "Well, the carnival strictly only allows senior students or older, after all the carnival grounds are mostly used for finding a romantic partner, so it's understandable that you haven't been informed on it, but it's not strictly for that I suppose. There are plenty of attractions and shows exclusive for Valentine's Day," Harry said, a slight hint of suggestion apparent when he glanced at me expectantly.
"Oh, do you want to go to the Valentine's Day carnival, sister?" I hear another voice chime in, a cheery smile appearing on my little brother's face. His smile is so innocent even when he's already grown taller than me, his features mature now and his voice a pitch lower than what would suit his cheerful puppy demeanor.
"Ah, Dean...Well, I don't know, but according to Harry there might be some interesting shows and attractions that we may enjoy," I say before I heard a low chuckle, two actually.
"Oh~? Is our dear princess ready to search for a mate?" Asked a familiar twin snake. The only distinguishing feature between him and his brother is that Reinel has hair that's only a tiny bit darker than Reneè's.
"Well look no further! You don't need to visit some Love Carnival to find your other half when we're right here~" Renèe continued, picking up where his brother left off in perfect sync as always.
"Presumptuous as always aren't you...? But what else is there to expect from snakes like you..." There was a low growl that would almost make you shiver from the smooth depth of his voice. Leonard matured quickly, just last year he already grew too tall for his uniform and the year before that he grew out of two. And his voice had changed drastically from when we were children, he sounds more like...A lion.
"Bunch of clowns...They'd fit in just great in the circus," snickered another voice. Among the friend group Leonard and Elliot matured the quickest, their voices matching the animal they represented, a lion and a wolf, though his voice is little lighter than Leonard it was still smooth, piercing, and decadent.
"Ha! Says the well trained puppy and the cute little house cat, speaking of, where's that sweet sister of yours? The one who's constantly holding your leash?" Reneè laughed, his head moving around to look for Alexa jokingly.
"If you're so interested in my sister then why not go with her to the Valentine's carnival?" Elliot smirked playfully, showing off his sharp canines as Leonard nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Then Harry could accompany Ms. Cheney," Leonard suggested with a slight smirk.
Harry and Reneè visibly flinched as the two looked at one another with a sharp gaze, instantly coming up with the same idea. "And Ms. Lydia would certainly appreciate prince Leonard accompanying her to the carnival. So all of us can go..." Renèe smiled smugly as Harry pushed up his glasses with full confidence.
"My, that sounds absolutely perfect, so that the princess's closest friends all have their own knight in case anything happens," he said, carrying the grace and respect of a perfect gentleman with that slight condescending note he was all too comfortable using amongst royalty and high ranking nobles...
"Alright, is everyone settled? Or do I have to wait for you guys to finish dragging each other down?" I roll my eyes with a slight laugh as Leonard let out an annoyed grunt. "Why don't we pair--" his gaze landed on Dean as Dean quickly spoke up to defend himself "Sorry, I prefer going with my sister instead of any unfamiliar woman to accompany me to this event," he said quickly and confidently.
"How about--" Renèe piped up, looking at Elliot as Elliot raised a finger with a frown. "I'm not close with many women, I'd rather not go with any annoying fan girls or boring company...I know that Snow isn't either of those things," he smiled.
Lastly Harry glanced at Reinel as Reinel shook his head. "No chance. Not close with women either," he replied as the three men in charge of escort duty sighed. "Well, I'm thankful you guys are willing to escort me and my friends to the Valentine's carnival, it sounds interesting and would love to visit but...Why don't we ask the other ladies if they want to go first?" I laugh slightly as the men all clicked. If one party could convince them to not go they would still have a chance!
And with that they ran off to my amusement, Dean being the only one left beside me, "Aren't you going to convince Sierra to go to the carnival with Harry?" I smiled teasingly as he shook his head.
"Sierra doesn't need convincing. She sees all of us equally as 'wolves' which I must say is endearing of her, and so she'd be happy to take anyone out of the selection," he said as I nodded approvingly.
"You're getting smarter by the year, little brother," I say gently, tip toeing to ruffle your hair as always. He flinched slightly and moved away from my ruffles with an awkward smile. "Snow...You...I know you mean well...It's been years...But you still insist on creating distance every time you call me little brother..." he said quietly, looking away for a moment.
"Why must you be so on guard...? Even to me...? You can hardly stand to call me by name...Snow...When...When will you see me as--" I gave him a pointed look, a signal for him to quiet down. "Because you're still like this...As long as you can't see me as a sister, I have to be on guard....Dean, I've long hoped you'd give up on me...We may not be blood siblings but I stand by what I said when we were kids...You're my brother...You can't expect me to see you as someone more than that..." I say gently, the words tumbling out just as tough as when I first told him. It doesn't get any easier...
The hurt in his eyes never changes, that sheen of unshed tears in his eyes would always stab at my heart, "Do you really hate me that much, sister...? Could you never even learn to consider me...? Consider loving me...?" He asked with a shaky voice. It was the first time he's ever asked me anything like this... I didn't reach out to hug him.
"Dean...I love you...I love you more than you know...Just not the way that you want me to love you...If not my brother, then my closest friend and confidante," I put out my hand and wait for him to take it. But... I see his hands ball into fists, trembling as his tears threatened to fall and he turned away with a voice too cold for my liking.
"I'll see you tomorrow for the Carnival..." he said as I panicked slightly, "Dean--" I start, trying to grab his hand when something stops me...Roxas had appeared behind me, holding my wrist and letting Dean walk away. "Give him time, Cino... You don't have to pull him back every time, he needs to find his own way too..." he said gently as I let my hand fall to my side, my own tears staining my cheeks.
"You're right... But he's never spoken to me like that before...It makes my heart break...." I whisper as Roxas led me to walk in the opposite direction.
"You love him...He'll realize that soon..." he comforted as I swallowed hard, choking back the small sobs, "But...W-What if he doesn't...?" I ask quietly. Roxas was quiet for a long time, just leading me to my room to prepare for the rest of the day.
-------------------
The next day comes as I arrived a little later than I'd like, everyone was already gathered, waiting in a fairly long line of people waiting for the Carnival to open, and laughing together to my relief but...Where was Dean...? I stand next to the group as Alexa tackled me with delight "Snow! You're here! I'm so glad we all get to hang out together! At a carnival too! Ohhh it'll be so much fun!" Alexa beamed, pulling at my arm as we all laughed at her cheerful behavior.
"S-Snow, It'll be our first o-outing together as a full group, I'm really glad prince Leonard invited me, I've never had these many companions," Lydia smiled gently as I glanced at Leonard who gave a weak smile back, knowing him, he must have tried to dissuade Lydia but felt too bad to continue excluding her from our outing.
Sierra would look around, her sharp cat eyes softening slightly at the sight of me, but I couldn't hide anything...Not from her..."My lady is...Displeased...?" Sierra mumbled as everyone looked at her, the others quickly questioned me as Sierra quickly scanned the group.
"Where's young master...?" She asked as the twins looked around. "Right...That fox usually goes with us...We thought he was going to be smug walking in with Snow, but where is he...?" Ren said, his tone immediately switching to worry.
"What...? Dean didn't come with you...?" Rei asked me as I shook my head slowly. "Well, where is he? Did something happen?" Leo asked me gently as Elliot let out a slight growl.
"We let that pipsqueak outta our sights for a minute and he goes missing...He better not be pulling some sort of crap for attention..." Elliot barked loudly, his tone aggressive but the flick of his wolf tail betrayed his anxiousness and worry.
"Pipe down, brother! Let's just look for him first," Alexa said worriedly as Lydia nodded in agreement, "Yeah, he could be in danger! He's still a prince after all!" Lydia said with a slight fierceness.
"No, you should all stay here, I'll look for the young master and bring him here," Harry said gently, stepping out of the line to look for Dean but when I was about to say something Harry stopped in his tracks, "Oh, here he is," Harry said with a slight smile, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Oh thank goodness he was just late," Alexa sighed dramatically as Lydia laughed and waved him over, "Sir Dean! We're over here!" Lydia called excitedly as Rei and Ren immediately moved to sneak behind him, attempting to surprise him.
"Boo!" They screamed into Dean's ears, laughing, "Hey, fox boy! You had us worried for a second! Where'd you go?" Ren asked the fox prince that didn't react to their surprise.
"Did you prepare another gift for Snow? Is that why you're late?" Rei asked with a curious smile. But Dean didn't answer and just ignored them. The twins stopped in their tracks as Ren mumbled under his breath "Rude..." Rei looked and Ren with a hint of worry then shook his head. "What's his problem...?"
Once Dean was in front of us he gave us all a polite bow, "Sorry for worrying everyone, I just had a few things to take care of so I was a little late," he smiled then stood by my side, offering his arm to me as I take it, is he really okay...?
"Let's all have fun today, yeah?" Dean asked me with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. I don't know what it is...If he's mad or...Upset...But it's...Different.
"What? After all that worrying, that's the whole apology?" Elliot said angrily as Leo swished his lion tail, assessing the situation. "Right, Elliot has a point, your apology...Isn't really sincere..." Leo agreed as Dean gently pat my hand and only turned his head slightly to Leo and Elliot.
"I was in fact sincere, but if you insist...I apologize," he nodded then looked straight ahead again as the line started to move and they were starting to let people in. The lion and wolf duo were shocked, and honestly...So was I...Dean had never treated our friends like that before...
"It seems...The young master is breaking our unspoken rule..." Harry murmured to the others when me and Dean were out of earshot.
"That little prick... What happened to being friends first? He's a load of--" The twins quickly covered Elliot's mouth. "Be classy at least...Let's just have fun at the carnival..." Ren said quietly.
"For the sake of Alexa, Lydia, and Sierra, alright?" Rei continued, nodding to the three women who were still dumbfounded at Dean's behavior and didn't hear the discussion of the others.
"The snakes are right...Let's not let him ruin the mood, it's supposed to be a day of love isn't it?" Leonard said with a smile, ushering everyone to follow in.
Me and Dean walk around in silence, my eyes drifting to the different colored tents and game booths. "Is there anything that catches your eye, Snow?" He asked, pulling me out of my daze as I look up at him with a worried expression.
"Broth-- Dean...Are you really okay...? If you're still mad at me, you don't need to accompany me or pretend to be okay with me for that matter..." I say as he glanced at me with a small laugh.
"No...I'm not mad, I'm just...Taking my role seriously...Snow if you really won't see me as anything more than a brother then I've decided, I won't be your brother, or your friend. I'm willing to start from the very beginning as an acquaintance to have a chance," he explained with a slight calm and full resolve as I stop dead in my tracks.
"What!? Dean! That's not how this works! You can't just--" he cuts me off with a sharp look as I instinctively shut my mouth. Dean's never looked at me like that...
"But I can, Princess Sterling. Whether you like it or not. I'll treat you as an acquaintance, nothing less, nothing more. You claim you love me, but it doesn't really feel like love at all... I've...Never felt loved by you...That's what I kept thinking over and over last night...You pitied me, you patronized me...But I don't blame you, I was pathetic when you first saw me anyway... Which is why I couldn't move from being your brother," he explained with strong resolve, he truly believed this.
"That's untrue! Dean, how could you say all this? I've always loved you in my own way, Dean... You're throwing away everything we've been through together, you can't just do that, Dean," I say as he shook his head.
"I won't disregard the things you've done for me, Snow...I'm always thankful, I am who I am because of you. But I've made my choice, you have to respect that," he said as I grit my teeth and yanked my arm away from him.
"So you want to be strangers right? That's what you want? You'd rather be a stranger to me than my brother because you feel like that's all I'll feel for you!? Fine then! I don't want to spend the day with a stranger. Don't talk to me until you grow up." I said harshly and turned away, storming off. My pace speeding up to a run as my hands trembled and I keep myself from screaming in frustration. Why...? Why, why, why!? Why can't he just understand me!? Why doesn't he believe me!?
Eventually I stopped and started to pant, taking calming breaths...I have to calm down...I...I shouldn't have said that to Dean...He...Just wanted to be understood too...I love him...In my own way...Why does it have to be romantic...? There are different kinds of love... Just because it's not what he expects doesn't mean it doesn't exist...
"Snow? There you are, are you alright? You look pale," I flinch and turn around to see Rei and Elliot, approaching me. "Yeah, what happened? You and Dean went through the house of horrors or something?" Elliot asked with a slight laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
I sigh softly in relief and look up at them in appreciation. "I thought I saw a rat is all, I don't think Dean caught up," I say sheepishly as the two laughed.
"It's funny how you've faced demons, kidnapping, near death, and wild killer beasts and yet a little rat still scares you," Rei teased as Elliot nodded "But hey if it's something to protect you from I'm kind of glad you still have some fears," he said gently as I laughed.
"Hey, let's get candy apples, Lydia and Leo said it tastes good," Rei said, dragging me to the stall, wanting me to forget whatever problem I had....I really appreciate them...
-Dean's Pov-
She...Ran away from me...Her words stabbed harder this time, twisting a knife that was already there to begin with...But I didn't cry, I knew what would happen, how she would react. I decided this for myself. And it's not like she'll stay mad at me, I know her well enough. She can never stay mad at me...
I only find myself letting out a sigh, looking at the arm she once held and straightening it to my side. I look around, seeing Lydia and Leonard getting candy apples, laughing happily. Before the academy...We all promised that we wouldn't fight...Not seriously...It was just a simple agreement but we all knew the implications...We wouldn't prioritize our feud over our friendship. But I'm sorry. I have to take things seriously now... Because unlike them, she won't take me seriously...
I walk in a different direction, far from where Snow ran and away from the candy apples. I look around spotting Reneè playing a darts game to win a prize for Alexa. Other than Snow the twins were my best friends...But they're a fierce tag team. Especially Rei...With Ren covering him he's been the one who sticks to her the most other than me of course. It's best to avoid them all right now.
Stumbling upon a magic show I see Harry and Sierra gawking at the self-proclaimed master of illusion. Honestly it's just as impressive as real magic knowing just how much skill and thought is put into every trick...Actually just knowing it's not real magic makes it more impressive... I observe at a distance away, just enough that Harry and Sierra wouldn't sense me, turning my attention to the show. If I stare for too long they'll feel watched.
It's interesting how all of us are sensitive to looks. In my peripheral vision I see Leonard and Lydia join Harry and Sierra, that was my cue to move. I wander the rest of the carnival aimlessly, it was pretty big, like a whole new town. But it wasn't all that fun wandering alone...
After another sigh my eyes catch a flash at a small purple tent. I look at it but there isn't anything shiny near that small unassuming tent. It looked like it would only hold about 4-5 people, I walked towards it and looked at the wooden sign propped up with a blackboard surface, chalk and a picture of a crystal ball on it.
'Love and fate: finding your true love!' I read then let out a soft laugh. "True love huh? Alright, I'll bite," I smile to myself and enter the tent. Despite the bright sun it was very dark within the tent, a table and a man in a mask, playing with a deck of cards, fanning them on the table and gesturing to me.
"Welcome to your fate. How have you been today?" The man lifted his top hat with a welcoming smile, canines flashing in the light. Their beast form isn't clear because of their hat and mask, no tail seen just yet, I observe them for a bit before smiling back.
"It hasn't been the best day but I'm well. So, how will I be facing my fate?" I ask simply as the figure laughed, the candles and glowing crystals giving me enough light to recognize his light pink hair.
"Facing your fate...? I couldn't have worded it better! But first, tell me...No one comes in here without looking for something," he said, swiping his cards and shuffling them skillfully.
"Well, I'm looking for love, true love...That's what you're advertising isn't it?" I laugh back as he nodded. "Ah, let me be clear. Who...Who are you looking for," he clarified as I flinched slightly.
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"Ah...Right...Well...I suppose...The one I want to love me is...My sister, she doesn't see me as anything more than a brother..." I say with a distant smile, my eyes looking at the table.
"EH!? YOUR SISTER!? Well I can't really blame her, she made a good choice not returning your feelings--!" he started in an outraged and reprimanding tone as I quickly put up my hands in defense. Crap usually people know what I mean, I forgot how that sounds to people who don't know the context!
"A-Adoptive! She's my adoptive sister! We don't share any blood!" I say quickly and defensively as he cleared his throat then fixed his suit awkwardly.
"A-Ah...You should've said so in the first place, jeez, I was ready to give you a real lecture and kick you out," he said, dead serious as I laugh awkwardly. "S-Sorry..." I bowed my head slightly.
"Anyway...She's...Amazing...I didn't come from a good family...When we were kids she noticed and convinced her family to adopt me, she was like an angel to me...Everything good in my life I owe to her, and it just evolved into something...More...She rejected me the first time when we were younger and I couldn't help myself yesterday so...She's rejected me twice now I suppose...Not that I'm giving up, I just...Want to know what it's like for once..." I trail off and close my eyes, letting out a long sigh.
"Were you...Abused...? By your old family...?" The man tilted his head slightly, his gaze slightly sympathetic as I nod. "Not that I dwell on it now anyway..." I mumbled as the man was silent for a while.
"Alright. I have enough information! Now it's time for you to realize your true love!" He smiled cheerfully, fanning out his cards once more. "Pick a card. Any card," he said as I nod and take one near the middle left. "Now look at it!" He said as I glanced at the card. A red ornate throne...Not just any throne...Is that...Sterling's throne...?
"Hey--" I was about to confront this man about this card but...He's gone, so are his other cards. The table empty, the light in the tent suddenly going out, leaving me sitting in the chair, everything pitch black, the only light coming from the slight gap of the tent's door.
"Jeez...Was that just a scam...?" I sigh then stand up, gently parting the door and stepping out, expecting the carnival grounds but I freeze when I realize...Am I in...Snow's garden in the palace...? I look around then look back but the tent was gone.
"...What...?" Did he teleport me here? What's happening...? I turn around when I suddenly collide with Sierra, I was glad to see her, flashing her a smile but a confused look graces her usual impasse expression and I was taken aback.
"...Your majesty, the queen is waiting for you in her bedroom. That's all." She bowed and scurried off as I stammer a bit, trying to stop her but she's already gone. "She...Called me your majesty....? Maybe it was a mistake...Maybe she's noticed I'm avoiding the others...Well, whatever the reason it's best I go to mother first..." I sigh and make my way to the chambers of the king and queen.
I knocked on the door as I heard Snow's voice tell me to come in. My heart stopped. Were we going to have a family talk about my behavior...? Crap...Well...Better get this over with...I'm definitely getting my ass whooped by king Victor though.
I opened the door but to my surprise it was just Snow, her gown extravagant with her father's crown on her head. "There you are, I've been looking for you everywhere!" Snow smiled, looking at me with a loving and affectionate gaze that I've only ever dreamed of and I couldn't help my blush as I backed off a bit.
"M-Me...? Huh...?" I stuttered as she giggled and walked towards me, reaching out and wrapping her arms around my neck into a kiss...Wait...Kiss...? Kiss? Kiss!? KISS!?
I turn a crimson, my arms flailing, not know where I should put my hands, the feeling of her lips on mine is disorienting and unfamiliar, finally gaining some semblance of sanity I hold her shoulders and move her away from me.
"S-Snow? What was that!?" I asked, my voice high in pitch and cracking from the sudden action. She only tilted her head curiously then laughed. "Jeez, you act like we aren't married," she said as I froze.
.
.
.
"MARRIED!? WE'RE MARRIED!?" I screamed as Snow had to cover her ears. "W-Well, yes...? Dean, are you okay? You're worrying me..." she said as I remembered I still had a card in my hand, the back was the same but the front...Instead of the throne it was blank with the intricate words Fate on it.
"Is this...My fate...?" I mumbled as I look down back at Snow who searched my face worriedly, "What was that, love?" She asked as I pocketed the card then hugged her tightly. "Just a little prank...Darling..." I say uncertainly as she hugged back and kissed my cheek.
"It's not a funny joke! I was really worried you know! It's our day off today! You do remember what it is right?" She asked hopefully. I look into her eyes. Just her purely affectionate gaze makes me blush, this was everything I've ever wanted...I hug her again tightly, inhaling her scent, scared that if I let go it'll all disappear...
"Happy Valentine's Day, my love..." I say quietly, caressing her face and memorizing her sweet features as she smiled and pulled me into another kiss, "Happy Valentine's Day, my love..."
-Snow's Pov-
After getting candy apples with Rei and Elliot we find Ren at one of the game booths. "Ren! Are you alright? You look like you're about to spend your whole fortune on a heart shaped dragon stuffy!" I giggle as Ren looked at us with a glare.
"This game is rigged!" Ren huffed as he gave Alexa the 5th mini heart squish toy. "I-It's alright! Really, these squishy things are fun too! I don't need the heart dragon plush," Alexa laughed, comforting the deflated Ren.
"It's not about the plush it's about my pride as a decent marksman!" He cried out in dramatic agony as we all burst out laughing. "Here, let me try, pipsqueak," Elliot clicked his neck and knuckles before stepping up to the booth. It looked like you get little bean sacks to throw at moving targets, the higher the value of the target the faster and smaller that target is.
"Show off..." Rei scoffed with a playful smirk. "If I wanted to show off I would've unbuttoned my blouse," he called over his shoulder with a playful wink and a wolfish grin as I turned red and Alexa smacked his head. "At least have some form of control, you animal!" She screamed as he laughed at his little sister, ready to throw the bean bag at the moving ducks.
I observe the way Elliot throws, he makes sure not to lack in force and he times it perfectly to keep hitting the one golden duck, ignoring all the other targets. Once the time ran out he got a medium sized prize, a heart shaped throw pillow with tassels.
"Hm....I suppose it is rigged..." he said gloomily as Ren pointed at him "RIGHT!?" Rei laughed as he stepped forward. "Perhaps you focused too much on the gold duck, it takes a while for it to appear and the whole point is to rack up points," Rei explained. He started throwing, aiming for the purple duck and blue ducks while waiting for the gold duck, completely ignoring the red and green ducks but in the end he got a medium prize like Elliot, a cute little pink dove plushie.
"...Absolutely rigged..." Rei grumbled as Ren sighed in exasperation "Let's just go play another game..." Ren said, dragging Alexa as Elliot held my shoulder, "Shall we?" He asked as I approached the stand.
"Huh? Snow, the game is rigged, we should try another one," Rei said as Ren stopped to look at us. "Can't hurt for me to try right?" I laughed as they looked at each other.
The minimum score for the biggest prize was unknown but the directory is that the golden duck is 100 points, then the purple ducks are 50 points, blue ducks are 25 points, but the red ducks are 20 points and the green ones are 15.
One gold duck, two purple ducks, four blue ducks were the max for top tier which means if you clear them al that's 300 points every few seconds until they stand up and you can hit them again. But there 20 red ducks and 20 blue ducks, if the whole lower tier was cleared it would be 700 points but it would take longer than clearing the top tier so...Skip the blue ducks and focus on the gold and red.
My timer started and I held two bean bags, one in each hand, the red ones weren't hard to hit, just throw it anywhere and it's bound to hit a red duck. I immediately went for the gold duck then used two hands to clear the red, then purple then green then gold again. I fell into a rhythm and my eyes just instantly locked on the necessary targets, the red ducks popping up quickly while waiting for the gold duck, occasionally going for purple while easily clearing green.
By the end of it they gave me the giant heart dragon plushie! "I did it!" I squeal as the guys' jaws dropped to the floor. "H-How did she..." Ren started as Alexa tackled me. "Snow is so cool~! You got the grand prize immediately!" I laughed as I gave her the plushie. "For you, happy Valentine's Day, Alexa!" I giggled as she blushed.
"I'll treasure it forever!" She grinned and buried her face into the plushie while the guys were still dumbfounded before Reinel figured it out, slapping his palm on his forehead as if he had a revelation.
"The red ducks in total were 400 points...It's worth more than the whole upper tier...That and she didn't bother with the blue ducks, it's a game with a red herring..." he sighed as Elliot looked at me in surprise. "Damn. I suppose it's not a game you can just brute force huh? That's why she makes a good general," He looked at me affectionately.
"How fitting, the most valuable duck in a red herring game is red...Damn it, it was supposed to be obvious!" Ren shouted in frustration as I laughed. "I'll give you credit, I didn't know it was a red herring, I just calculated the points in my head," I stuck my tongue out as they grumbled how that was even worse due to how obvious it is.
It wasn't long before we saw Leo and Lydia approaching us with Harry and Sierra in tow. "Looks like you're all having fun here, mind if I give this game a shot?" Leonard smiled as we all looked at each other, we all decided not to tell him about the trick but to our surprise...He aced it on his first try, explaining that most carnival games have a sort of trick and red herring as the other men start raging about the 'perfect prince'
Harry and Sierra seemed to look around cautious as always, of course they look at each other in a silent conversation only they can understand before speaking up. "The young master is missing again." Harry stated as everyone looks around.
"You...You guys...Haven't seen Dean...?" I ask as everyone started pointing to one another. "What!? He's missing again!? What's up with him...?" Renèe sighed and scratched his neck in annoyance as Harry looked at me.
"My lady... Did something happen...? Between you and the young master...?" Harry asked gently as all eyes were on me. "I...I had...Turn him down yesterday... A little harsher than before...I just...I didn't mean to...I just..." I try to explain but the words don't come out as I start to spiral. If anything bad happened to Dean...I wouldn't be able to forgive myself...
The group went silent a while before Ren heaved a long sigh, "That whiny crybaby is acting out because he got rejected...? Which one of us hasn't been rejected by you at least once or twice? Hey, don't feel bad, alright? What's important is that we find our friend and knock some sense into him." Ren said gently.
"He's being an idiot about all this but he's our idiot, no matter what we've got his back." Rei backed up as Leo and Elliot nodded in agreement.
"Whatever the situation, the young master is my friend..." Harry said worriedly.
"Even if he was being a rude prick this morning, we all have bad days and I won't abandon a friend over a few bad days." Elliot said as Leo looked around. "We should spread out and find him as soon as possible. Even if he's upset he wouldn't wander far and worry us like this," Leo said as Lydia and Alexa nodded, "We have communication stones but only two and we bet the twins have a pair at all times, we should go in groups," Lydia suggested.
We split the four communication stones and connected them, Rei and Ren is group 1, me, Elliot, and Alexa is group 2, Leo and Lydia is group 3 and Sierra and Harry as group 4.
We searched the large carnival, constantly updating one another, combing every inch available to us but to no avail...In my desperation I try and go into the restricted areas but am met with carnival workers, physically restraining me, but as I'm about to lash out, a man suddenly popped up beside me, Elliot blocking him before he could tap my shoulder.
"Oh? Apologies, madame but this is a restricted area, not made for guests, may I ask what you are searching for?" He asked as Alexa chimed in with a cheery smile, examining the man in a coat, mask, and top hat, his hair a distinct light pink.
"A-Ah! You see, we're searching for a friend of ours! We've been looking for a long while now! We could really use some help, tall, white hair, and chocolate brown fox eyes, his name is Dean!" Alexa explained quickly as the man lit up.
"Oh! Yes, follow us, we know of the man you speak of, there were others looking for him too, come in," The man said gently as the other carnival workers backed off. We were hesitant to follow, the other groups repeating that they were being led the same way. We enter a large red tent, the inside empty as we see everyone gathered.
"What's...Happening...? Why are we all--" before I could finish my sentence I feel a chain around my neck. "Hell! It's a trap!" I scream as Leo let out a roar, fighting what seemed like illusions...
"Don't worry, princess...You'll find who you're looking for soon," a voice whispered gently into my ear as the world started to go black, the cold feeling of a card in my hand the last thing I felt...
-------------------
"Shit, she's out cold!" Elliot quickly tried to grab the man that pulled the chain around Snow's neck but he was like a specter...He couldn't touch him, and neither could Alexa touch Snow.
"W-What's happening!? Where's the real Snow!?" Alexa growled with hostility and pure hatred in her tone. "Now, now...She's unharmed...I specialize in illusions, this is the only way to find her brother," the illusion quickly explained, their hands up to show peace.
"Why don't you just bring Dean out? This is assault and kidnapping. Release the two immediately." Leonard narrowed his eyes, pointing his sword at the illusion.
"The one you call Dean was a willing subject to my game. He may exit at any time with no repercussions. But until now he is still in the illusion which is why I suggested that you enter the illusions yourself," he explained as Leonard put away his sword. "Why not tell us this before knocking out Snow...? It seems unnecessary..." he deadpanned as the illusion laughed.
"Where's the fun in that? To join her just pick a card, any card," the illusion smiled, putting out a fan of cards.
-------------------
-Dean's Pov-
This feels like an absolute dream... This whole day, uninterrupted time with Snow, our conversations flowing like water as I was able to hold her affectionately, to kiss her cheek, wrap my hand around her shoulder and waist with the comfort and ease of long lovers...
But something was wrong...Just slightly askew, just enough to gnaw at my subconscious...It was like we were the only people here...There were servants and all but...Our friends were nowhere to be seen.
"...How do you think our friends are spending Valentine's day, my love?" I ask gently as she looked up at me in surprise.
"Well...How should I know...? Leonard is in Fantasia and the twins haven't visited us since our days at the academy," she shrugged as my brows furrowed slightly.
"What...? What about Elliot, Alexa, Harry and Sierra....?" I asked as she mirrored my furrowed brows.
"I don't understand...You've never cared much about them before...Much less Sierra and Harry, they're our servants, I don't think we should pry much into private affairs," she replied as I felt a pang of something...Hurt...? Worry...?
"I...I never cared...?" I ask as she nodded casually. "I mean...We may have competed for your affections but we shouldn't have drifted this far apart right...?" I ask more to myself than to the woman in my arms.
"Hm...? Competed for my affections...? I don't think that's true, I've always just ignored them for your affection," she said cheerfully as I froze for a moment, memories that weren't my own flashing through my mind.
It's always been...Just us... "What about Lydia and Alexa...?" I asked as she looked slightly hurt. "What about them...?" She asked back as my hold on her lessened slightly.
"They were your friends..." I reply as she narrowed her eyes, "Dean, it's valentine's day and you're looking for other women? Mentioning them on the day of love...? Really?" She asked, annoyance lacing her voice as I flinch in surprise.
"T-That's not what I meant-" I start as she cut me off "Then stop talking about them...Don't mention them and focus on us...Our love, after all it's always been just us," she insisted, taking my hands into hers, her expression almost desperate as I struggled to find the words.
I'm silent for a long while before it dawns on me. What I've been doing to Snow...It isn't love...I realize then wrap her arms around my waist, taking in her scent one more time as I hug her tight.
"I'm sorry..." I say as she pat my back gently. "I love you, Snow...For who you are, I'm sorry for forcing my ideals on you, I want you to love me...But on your own terms, not because I didn't give you a choice, not because I pushed away everyone we held dear to have you...I thought having the privilege of holding you like this was love...But I was wrong...I don't know what true love is like yet, but I know that all of this...Isn't true love..." I say, and as soon as those words left my mouth the world seemed to crack and fracture, the figure in my arms a wooden puppet that disappeared as the reality shifted to a small glass box, the masked man facing me with a beaming smile.
"Congratulations! You're out of the illusion," he said as I looked around, the outside of the glass box a plain white void. "Not fully it seems," I laugh slightly as he nodded.
"I promised you'd find true love! Think of that illusion as step one, to prepare you for the final phase, to help you realize what it truly means to love someone," He said, snapping his fingers as a large window appeared outside of our glass box, showing a live feed of my friends, roaming a labyrinth, calling my name as my eyes widened in surprise.
"Is this..." I start but he shook his head, "It's an illusion but those are indeed your friends. They were worried and combed through the carnival to find you and willingly jumped into the illusions to save you, even when I explained, if they happen to get lost then their consciousness might not make it out of the illusions..." he explained, each screen showing my friends.
"They were separated, they could have easily decided not to enter the maze and let the others find you, worrying still they cannot use magic or items to mark paths and cheat, but tell me what you see..." he said as my eyes scanned the multiple screens.
"They all...Went in...Knowing the risks and despite it all...They're still searching..." I say, my fists clenching as I struggled to accept it, "Even after how I treated them all..." I say, my voice cracking slightly.
"Love doesn't have just one form. It's different for each person yet stays by the same principles. They stand by you no matter what, they comfort you, help you, see you for who you are and accept that with open arms...Flaws and all...Love isn't just passion and romance, it's the way someone cares for you, subtle or not, it's the way they notice you, the way they'd call you out for being wrong and have faith in you when you're right, hope in who you are, and respect for what you choose," he said, showing Snow's screen.
"She may not love you the way you imagined, but a love that's true is better than love you impose..." he said as she frantically screamed my name through the labyrinth. "And sometimes, it's better than what you imagine," he smiled as I nodded.
"I understand..." I smile back as he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Then I think it's time you reunite with your family," he said as I'm placed in the labyrinth.
I look around then see a figure turn a corner to see me, his wolf eyes narrowing as his expression turned into a scowl. "Hey! Prick! Where the hell were you!? Do you know how fucking worried we were because of you!?" He growled as he grabbed me by the collar and screamed lectures into my ear as I laughed.
"What's so funny!?" He yelled as I removed his hand and hugged him. "...What the hell...?" He asked baffled, but the wag of his tail gave him away. "Thanks...For being a great friend, Elliot..." I say quietly as he looked down at me, a wolfish grin replaced his confusion, his hand ruffling my hair roughly.
"Whatever, pipsqueak..." he said as his form disappeared. I heard my name being called once more as another familiar face greeted me, this time he just stared. "Young master...We've been searching for you..." he said simply as he approached me, his posture rigid and awkward, an unfamiliar trait to the proud and composed Harry that I knew.
"Harry...I'm sorry...For everything...More than a friend, you're my confidant...And I forget that sometimes," I say as he tensed up in surprise. Then he smiled and adjusted his glasses with an arrogant laugh. "It's always been an honor...Even when you can be unreasonable," he said before his figure disappeared like Elliot's.
Next I heard two sets of footsteps, one running and one walking, the two seeing me at the same time. "Ha! Found you!" The two said in unison as I laughed. "What the hell, fox boy! How could you disappear like that over a rejection!? You crybaby!" Renèe shot, but he was panting, trying to catch his breath, it was obvious he was running the whole time in a panic.
"More than that, you broke our promise...What was that...?" Rei asked, his usual playful expression replaced by one of genuine hurt and offense.
"...You two have always been my best friends since childhood...I forgot what was important and it hurt you all...I remember now, and I'm sorry for treating you two like that..." I say sincerely as the twins froze. They looked at one another then tackled me into a hug.
"Apology accepted!" They said in unison before their figures disappeared.
I heard a low growl and the faint sound of sniffing before I saw the source. "...There you are...It's one thing to hide like a coward and another to worry Snow." He growled with hostility, but even then he didn't draw his claws, his Lion ears twitching ever so slightly.
"You're as traitorous as you are a bastard for pulling such a stunt." He said harshly as I took a knee and bowed my head. "Leo...For as long as I remember about you, you'd always use Snow as an excuse, if I were gone then Snow would be sad...But now I know it isn't true, you took a risk looking for me when you knew many others would...And for that, and everything you might have done for me, whether I realize it or not, I'm genuinely grateful to have you as a friend..." I smile as he stands taken aback for a moment before he walks to me, taking a knee to meet my gaze and hugging me.
"I never had many friends...I still don't...But just because I seek Snow's affection doesn't mean any of you mean less...I'll always care, whether it's you or any other one of our friends...Even those damn snakes..." he laughed as his figure disappeared.
Next, the clacking of heels breaks the silence as Alexa comes into view. "Dean! There you are...! We've been so worried for you!" She went and hugged me tight as she always did. "I heard what happened with Snow...No matter how much I root for my brother I still worry about you... I'm really sorry..." she cried slightly as I wiped her tears.
"There's no need for you to be sorry, Alexa...You were always there to comfort me when I needed it...You know exactly what to say to people to make them feel better, you're bright and caring...And I appreciate you...Thank you for being there, for all of us," I smile as she gave me a full smile, showing her wolf canines and all before her figure disappeared.
I heard the wind whooshing and the quiet, muffled steps approaching at great speed, a certain cat maid entering my vision, the quick rise and fall of her chest the only tell tale sign that she was running. "You...Stupid wolf, how could you worry my lady like that? I should claw your damn eyes out." She hissed as I smiled.
"We didn't really get along when we were kids, did we?" I laugh slightly then speak again before she could retort. "But no matter our differences, even without Snow, you've always been there for me. Your words are sharp and threatening, but when I make mistakes you lecture me like a sister, you act even more like a sister than Snow at times even," I laugh as she flicked her tail in embarrassment.
"...Someone has to keep you in line when she's busy..." she mumbled as I nodded, "And I appreciate it...Greatly..." I say as she turned her back with a hmph! Before disappearing.
The walls seem to shift as I heard a yelp of surprise coming from the petite woman with ember eyes. "S-Sir Dean! We've finally found you..." she sighed in relief as I nodded. "Lydia...I've been wondering why you'd take such a risk for someone you've met a year or two ago," I laugh sheepishly as she shook her head.
"Sir Dean...Growing up I've never been close to anyone except Anette...When she was gone from my life...I was absolutely shattered...But then you all came along, adopting me like one of your own, it wasn't just miss Snow or sir Leonard, it was all of you who gave me reason to live life to the fullest with the people I care about. You're...Family," she said with a slight blush as if she weren't sure I'd be accepting of the title. But I hug her as she yelped again in surprise.
"Thank you, Lydia...You're a good friend and someone we'd all be proud to call family..." I say gently as she turned red with a fluster before disappearing.
Then the whole maze just...Disappeared...The walls falling down to reveal the last person searching for me...Our eyes locked as she approached me hesitantly, stopping just in front of me.
"Dean..." she started as she looked down in guilt. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to hurt you like that...If you want to act that way then I'll respect it...I'll consider you--" I hug her before she could finish her sentence, squeezing her tightly as I inhale her scent once more...
"I want you to love me, Snow...But on your own terms...I was wrong to impose my ideals of love on you, telling you never loved me when all these years that's all you've ever given...The walls you've put up, telling me you'd never see me as anything other than a brother...I should have known...That in your heart I was already someone special, someone you cared for, whether you call me brother or not, you loved me from the very start, and whether you want to call me something else in the future, is your choice, I'll respect whatever you decide, which is what I should have thought of a long time ago..." I smiled as she looked up at me, her eyes bright with happiness, the frustration melting away into tears of joy.
"Dean..." she smiled, her eyes full of affection. It isn't so different after all...I say to myself as I gently place my lips on hers. One last kiss...
-------------------
The group woke up groggily, still passed out in the tent as Dean clapped his hands, "Rise and shine, sleepyheads," he laughed as the group mumbled and groaned. "Bloody hell...I feel like I have the worst hangover..." Elliot groaned as his sister covered his mouth.
"Shhhhhhhhh....Too loud..." she murmured as she massaged her temples. "Oh god...I feel like I'm going to puke--" Renèe gagged as Rei gagged in response to hearing his brother gag, "Don't do it- if you puke- I puke," Rei groaned as Leo lay on the dirt floor, face down, still as a statue.
"I-Is sir Leonard still alive...?" Lydia asked dizzily, poking at the Lion prince he grunted in response, just lying there...
Harry's usual composure lost as his glasses made everything more spiny than it really was as Sierra started rolling around, trying to will away the hangover.
"What's wrong with them?" Dean asked the masked man next to him in confusion as he laughed wildly, a few honking sounds heard from him. "Well, you were in an illusion for quite a long while, so you're well adjusted to transition from illusion to reality, them on the other hand...No, it really is like a bad hangover," he said, wiping a tear from his eye.
Suddenly Snow jolted upright from her lying position, "That...That was a dream right...? I...I didn't just kiss Dean right...? Right!?" She yelled out loudly as her hand shot up to her lips, the redness of her cheeks spreading down to her neck as all the murderous gazes fell on Dean.
"Don't worry, they're incapacitated for the time being," the masked man said, waving his hand. "Oh, right, I should thank you properly, sir...?" I ask with a smile as he took off his hat and mask.
"Orlando! Orlando Valentines!" He said, forming a heart with his hands with a playful smile, his wings sprouting from behind him, a light pink pair of fluffy swan wings.
"Valentines?" Dean tilted head curiously, "Yep! You can call me cupid too, I'm a descendant of the first ringmaster of the Valentine's carnival! Spreading the word of true love for many generations!" He said with a flourish before we heard the clanking of armor. It was Leonard, still giving Dean the death glare as he tried getting up, wobbling sideways but he was definitely getting up as he used his sword as support.
"I-Incapacitated huh...?" He laughed as he stood up, Orlando flinching in fear. "Hot damn! He should be incapacitated for hours!" He exclaimed in surprise, backing away slowly as Dean chuckled nervously, doing the same.
"Fuck that...I'm gonna make you pay now..." Elliot growled, getting up as well, first on all fours, standing up with fierce determination.
"Why don't you come a little closer, so we can strangle you better, young master.." Harry laughed, propping himself on the tent's wall.
"And that's my cue to run, thanks for everything, Orlando! And happy Valentine's!" Dean smiled with a salute as he got a head start in running.
"COME BACK HERE, COWARD!" Leo and Elliot screamed in unison as Rei and Ren covered their ears. "Later...." they whined as Harry managed to stand, getting ready to sprint if he weren't so dizzy...
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°and cut!°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Who's your favorite ml/want to see have their own val cp?
