✧ — in which the princess sneaks out to see the first snow fall, accompanied by her loyal bodyguard, of course.
✧ — fem!princess!reader x bodyguard!character
✧ — pairings: kabukimono
✧ — warnings: fluff, fluff, just pure wintertime fluff. with a side of hungry wolves. a little bit of angst. slightly ooc, i apologise.
KABUKIMONO was in a dilemma.
The princess was explicitly told not to enter the forest, especially near the time of the first snow fall, which was the hunting season for the wolves. It was his duty to their Royal Highnesses to keep her away from the woods, especially as his charge. But at the same time, how could he ever say no to your pleading face, big eyes and all?
When you clasped your hands around his and implored once more, the young man had to say yes. It was definitely worth the hug you gave him after. It was his duty to protect you, his charge, his princess. Yet it was also his duty to ensure your happiness. It was pretty clear to Kabukimono that your joy was his top priority. Even if it meant putting his job in jeopardy.
After all, as long as the King and Queen never found out, they would be safe.
He never realised how enthusiastic you would be about seeing the first snow fall.
Kabukimono called out your name. “Slow down a bit! You might trip on a root, milady.”
You flashed him a cheerful grin and slowed your pace, now walking alongside him. “Don’t worry, Kabuki. I’m super careful!”
And just at that moment you would’ve faceplanted right on the ground if it weren’t for Kabukimono catching your waist on time. He laughed as he helped you stand back up.
“Super careful, milady?” He grinned, though his cheeks were slightly flushed. You suspected it was due to the cold.
You rolled your eyes and rubbed your gloved hands together. “Shut up.”
You turned from him and continued walking, hugging your arms around your body. It was getting colder by the minute… surely the snow would fall soon? Kabukimono jogged to keep up with your pace.
“If I may ask, where are we heading, milady?” He gave you a curious glance, his violet eyes sparkling.
You grinned at the question. “Just roaming around. Say, aren’t you cold, Kabuki?” You say gently, gesturing to his clothing. While you were coated in layers and layers of fur, the young man was simply wearing his black uniform.
He chuckled. “I’m fine, milady. Ah, what are you doing…?”
You had busied yourself with peeling off one of your fur jackets. You tiptoed, trying to drape the material over his shoulders. “It’s a bit small… but it should keep you warm.” You mused, adjusting the jacket.
Kabukimono flushed at your nearness. “I-I’m fine, really, m-milady.”
You shook your head and took a step back, admiring your handiwork. “See, you’re stuttering and your cheeks are red, meaning you’re cold.”
“I-“ How would he explain that he wasn’t cold, but instead just… He didn’t even know how to explain it in the first place! His cheeks got redder with the embarrassment.
Almost immediately upon seeing this change, you frowned. “You just got redder.” Your face lit up with an idea. “If you’d like, I could give you a hug! That’ll get you warmer, right?”
His face lit up at the suggestion. A hug? Just because you were concerned he was apparently freezing to death? Kabukimono knew it was kind of bad to take advantage of this situation, but he just couldn’t help himself. He nodded, a little too eagerly.
He almost melted at your touch, feeling the warmth of your arms around him as you embraced him tightly. This felt like heaven. He looked down at you with a shy smile.
“Milady?”
“Hm?”
“The snow is falling.”
You looked up at his words, your eyes sparkling with childish delight. The snowflakes fell from the cloudy skies, shining in the sunlight. You smiled.
“Kabuki?”
“Yes, milady?”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
He blushed. Then he reached out his hand to gently brush off the snowflakes from your hair. You tensed at his movements. He was… near. You could see every detail of his handsome face. The slight pink on his cheek, the way his eyeliner was put on, the twinkle in his violet eyes, the curve of his lips. The way he smelled slightly of cinnamon. Then his eyes met yours.
“There’s one more right…” His fingers brushed by your lips. “…here.”
Your face flushed crimson. It felt like time had paused, just for the two of you. The snow continued to fall, coating the ground in white. Yet the two of you stayed in each other’s arms… for warmth, of course.
“Milady?” He spoke, his voice soft.
“Hm?”
“We have to head back.”
He was right. You looked at the setting sun, then back at him. You smiled, then pulled away from the embrace. You could’ve sworn there was a glint of disappointment in those eyes. Could it be…? Instead of dwelling on it, you gently caught his wrist.
“Thanks for doing this.”
He smiled and squeezed your hand softly. “Anytime, milady.”
You nudged him. “Just (Name) is fine, Kabuki.”
“(Name).” He repeats with a smile, that familiar blush returning to his cheeks.
You mirrored his expression. The sound of your name coming from his lips… it felt nice. You tugged his hand with a grin. “Let’s head back.”
He nodded. As the two of you walked, Kabukimono took note of many little things you did. The way you swung your arms slightly when you walked, the way your stride was confident and cheerful, the way you hummed Christmas carols — he found them all very cute.
“Hey, (Name)?” Wait, what was he doing…?
“Yes, Kabuki?”
He blushed slightly in spite of himself. He took a deep breath in. “Uh, well, I wanted to say—”
You stopped suddenly. “Kabuki.” You whispered his name frantically. The aforementioned male paused. The woods were quiet. Too quiet. Then a howl pierced through the silent night, followed by the pattering of footsteps.
“Kabuki—”
“Run.”
They took off. They had stayed too late, now the wolves were on the prowl. Kabukimono silently cursed himself. This was a mistake. The King and Queen would have his head on a stake if their princess came back injured. He’d probably kill himself first.
Kabukimono turned at the sound of a growl, too close for comfort. He unsheathed his sword. He turned to you, panic evident on his face. “Run, (Name), and don’t stop until you reach the castle.”
“I won’t leave you!” He expected you to run and leave him to die alone? Never.
He gritted his teeth. “Not the time to be stubborn, milady.”
The words ‘milady’ hit you hard. You shook your head once more. “No.”
A wolf jumped out of the snow-coated bushes, its amber eyes gleaming, its fur as black as night. The two of you backed away slowly. He turned to you once more, silently begging you to flee. You shook your head again, tears beginning to form in your eyes. You wouldn’t leave him.
The wolf pounced. Kabukimono’s sword swung, hitting flesh. The wolf whimpered, falling to the ground with a thud. Kabukimono breathed heavily, before quickly lifting you off the ground and taking off.
NO ONE noticed that the two of you were gone, much to your
relief. You and Kabukimono had successfully escaped the forest, evaded the palace guards, and made it to your room, perfectly unharmed and just a bit shaken. Well, mostly Kabukimono.
He shut the door behind the two of you with a sigh. Then he gently placed you back on your feet. He scanned your figure.
“You’re alright, milady? Nothing hurting, whatsoever?” He asked, his eyes brimming with concern.
You shook your head. A little knot twisted up inside your stomach hearing ‘milady’ once more.
“Why didn’t you run? You could’ve been badly hurt, for Celestia’s sake! If I got hurt, I’d be okay. You’re the princess!”
You flinched at the tone of his voice. He rarely raised it, especially with you.
“I couldn’t leave you there! If I made it back, and you didn’t, it’ll be my fault!” You sighed. “It’s my fault.”
Kabukimono hesitated. “Milady… you’re the princess. It wouldn’t be your fault.”
You shook your head. “I am the princess. My subjects’ wellbeing rests on my responsibility.”
He sighed. “It still wouldn’t be your fault. I was supposed to keep you safe.”
“And you did! I’m perfectly unharmed!”
“You had a run-in with a wolf!”
“I’m fine now, am I not?”
“Don’t be rash, princess.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, as if you were giving him a bad headache. He didn’t sound angry now. Just frustrated… and tired.
He turned to leave. “We’ll continue this tomorrow. Goodnight, princess.”
“Wait.” You caught his wrist. “Kabuki, I’m sorry.”
He turned and gave you a tired smile. “It still isn’t your fault.”
You chuckled, and met his eyes. A deep violet, beautiful. “Could you… could you stay?”
His eyes widened. “I really shouldn’t…”
“Kabuki, please. I… I want you here. With me.” You implored, your eyes shining slightly. “Please.”
Kabukimono ran a hand through his hair. You could see an internal debate in those eyes. He sighed, and met your own.
“(Name).”
Your face flushed as your breath caught. The way he said it, barely above a whisper. It felt like a winter breeze, gently brushing past you.
“Just this once, I’ll stay.”
✧ — 2023 ; dappledstars
✧ — word count: 2780
