Misconceptions

Spring’s Eve had finally come to Bovine Bluffs, but Charming wasn’t as excited as one would think he would be. He had plenty of lovers, wouldn’t that mean plenty of gifts? Plenty of love being showered upon him? Of course he wouldn’t be lacking for attention or praise during this time of year. It was unthinkable. So why, then, has he stayed holed up in his home since the beginning of the celebration?

It was an answer only the princely moo himself could possibly know. He was currently sitting in the bay window in his bedroom. He stared wistfully out over the garden below, a book placed precariously in his lap that he only pretended to read every few minutes or so. Charming was in a slump and he knew it. The entire point of this holiday was to spend time with those dearest to you; but in truth, Charming felt close to very few people. Even though he had a regular bed partner in Maddox, he still felt as though they were just friends.

No, there was only one Pheromoo in Bovine Bluffs that knew him deeper than surface level, but that man would likely never consider them as “close.” Miles was too dedicated to his work, and much too serious. Charming could barely read the man on a good day. Miles kept his stoic exterior firmly in place at all times. He likely thought guarding his own feelings let him more easily perform his duties. In all the time they’d spent together, Charming had never once sensed a moment of softness, of vulnerability.

His eyes wandered over the garden below, and Charming took notice of the object of his thoughts perusing through the flowers. He furrowed his brow as he watched Miles slowly bend down and hold one of the blooms in his hand so carefully. Charming was entranced; he’d never seen this gentle side of Miles before. Though he felt a little guilty for what may as well have been spying, he couldn’t tear his gaze away.

Did Miles, perhaps, have a secret lover? Someone that Charming knew nothing about? It sounded preposterous! The prince had to do all he could just to give Miles the slip to get a moment alone with his own lovers. The idea of Miles being able to hide some secret love interest could hardly be believed…but then why did his chest tighten so? Charming clenched his jaw as he watched Miles still carefully examining flower after flower. He finally stopped to pick just one out of the entire flowerbed. The guard held it gingerly between his fingers before he just…left. He made for the doors to the manor and Charming was left baffled.

It would make sense to him if Miles were trying to arrange a bouquet of flowers for a lover, but just one? Clearly his guard had no idea how to woo someone. Charming had half a mind to march downstairs and walk him through the proper etiquette of charming a lover, but the tight feeling in his breast made him pause. He wanted Miles to be happy, to do something for himself for once, but the thought of arming him with the tools to woo a different lover was nearly unbearable.

In the end, Charming decided to go back to quietly reading the book he’d nearly forgotten in his lap. He was definitely sulking now. He sighed softly as he flipped from page to page; he barely paid attention to the words he read. He only grew more and more frustrated with himself as time passed. Why was he getting so hung up over what Miles chose to do in his spare time? It wasn’t as if they’d actually ever slept together. At best, Charming was Miles’ flirtatious employer. At worst…he didn’t want to think about it.

Charming shoved the book from his lap and shut it before he crossed his arms over his chest. He couldn’t help but be annoyed with himself, but just when he needed it most, Aspen climbed up into his lap. His adorable little Kobon had a look of concern on his face as he gazed up at Charming, but the prince knew this look all too well. Aspen wanted to spend a bit of time outdoor. He sighed and scratched behind Aspen’s ears.

“Alright then, boy, let’s bring you out to the market with me,” Charming said softly. Instead of letting Aspen wander the manor on his own, Charming carried him swiftly through the halls. He moved as quietly as possible. He didn’t want to see Miles, not until he had his head on straight again. The two managed to slip out without being spotted, but Charming only set Aspen down once they were well past the gates.

“Right, to the shops with us then. We’ll get you some of your favorites,” Charming said with a soft smile at his stalwart familiar. Charming knew the farmer’s market was going to be busy and teeming with moos selling chocolates and other Spring’s Eve goods, but if they stuck to the fringes he shouldn’t get separated from Aspen. A few entrepreneurs called out to him to sell their chocolates or goods to him, but Charming kept walking with Aspen until they reached one particular shop. Brewed for You.

“Charming and Aspen, my best customers,” Jasper called out. The two made their way into the cafe and took a seat as Jasper waved them in.

“Good afternoon, just some whipped cream today for Aspen, if you please. A cup of coffee for myself as well.” Charming waited while the barista fixed it and he set it down right on the ground for the kobon to enjoy. It didn’t take long for Jasper to fix his own coffee before he glanced around.

“No Miles today, hm?”

The question was innocent but it made Charming clench his jaw. “No, I wanted a bit of time for myself today,” he said with a smile up at Jasper. A smile the barista saw through.

“Rare I ever see you actually on your own. When Miles isn’t with you, normally there’s someone else on your arm. I won’t pry, but you can have as much coffee as you want here. On the house.”

Jasper’s kindness was truly boundless. This was exactly what Charming needed: a quiet place away from the crowds to get his head on straight. He sipped quietly at his coffee while Aspen licked up every last bit of his whipped cream. Jasper’s words kept ringing in the prince’s head while he enjoyed his coffee. He knew that nothing would change if he just sat around sipping at coffee all day long. He had to go home and face facts. He wasn’t privy to Miles’ private life, and if Charming didn’t keep their relationship professional…he worried he would lose Miles altogether.

He left the cafe with Aspen yipping happily down near his hooves. They stuck to the fringes of the market as they headed home for the day. Charming wasn’t sure exactly what compelled him, but on the way he stopped by a few of the stalls and grabbed a small box of chocolates wrapped with a bow. Even if he didn’t give it to anyone on the way home, he did like chocolates, or that’s how he justified it to himself at least.

As expected, when he got home, he found Miles searching the manor in a frenzy looking for the lost prince. When the guard saw Charming and Aspen walk through the front gate as if nothing had happened, he rushed to Charming’s side.

“My Prince!” He called out as he did so. For once, Charming could even tell he was a little out of breath. Just how long and hard had he been searching? It made Charming feel a little guilty.

“Are you hurt?” Miles immediately began looking over Charming, the panic still lingering in his voice.

Charming piped up and shook his head.

“I just went to the market, Miles. There’s no need for alarm. It’s a festival, you should be out there celebrating too, you know,” he teased with an impish smile.

“Well, I—“ Miles cut himself off. His face was flushed and apparently something Charming said had managed to fluster the normally stoic guard. “I do have something for you,” he admitted after a moment. “Giving gifts is a way to celebrate Spring’s Eve, isn’t it?”

Miles reached into his pocket and pulled out something that resembled a bookmark. It was black in color and clearly laminated as well. Charming tilted his head and held out a hand as Miles handed it over. He turned it over and saw the light blue flower from before pressed into the bookmark as well. He let out a quiet gasp as he realized he’d been wrong about everything from the very beginning and jealous for no reason.

“I saw you spending more time indoors and in the library lately. I thought you could do with something useful like this,” Miles was looking absolutely anywhere but at Charming’s face right now. It was cute just how sheepish he was about giving something like this as a gift.

Charming decided the best thing he could do right now was go back to being himself. That way Miles wouldn’t feel so oddly anymore.

“Well it’s absolutely perfect, thank you for thinking of me,” he teased with a smile. “Though I have to admit I got you a little something too while I was out. Something a little more traditional.”

Charming held up the box of chocolates in his hand and handed it over to Miles. “I’m not really sure what flavors are your favorite, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy these anyway, right?”

Miles was taken aback by the gift, but at least he wasn’t fumbling over his words anymore. Charming’s smile grew a little and held the bookmark from his guard a little closer to his chest before he turned away from the other moo.

“Now then, I’m going out to enjoy more of the festivities. I’m afraid that means you’ll have to accompany me all day today.” Even though he just returned, he knew Miles would never go out on his own to celebrate Spring’s Eve. Charming would have to drag him out.

“Yes, my Prince.” Miles’ voice steadied as he regained his stoic exterior. The pair went inside to safely stow the gifts they’d given one another before Charming dragged Miles out to the market to celebrate with plans on visiting Cybele’s garden later in the day.