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Prince Fluff is not a morning person. People speak about waking up gently to sunbeams streaming through the window and the scent of dew and grass lingering in their noses. Of the soft texture of their sheets pooling around them, just cold enough to bring relief in summer and yet comfortably cosy. Listening serenely to birdsong as they slowly rise and start their idyllic morning.
Fluff has no such luxury. He is the type of person to wake up aware of everything all at once. There is no gentleness to it. Even as the same conditions are met, Fluff blocks out the sun with his hand and a grunt. The birdsong and chittering of other yarn critters are sweet, and the sunlight is warm, but Fluff has never been amused by suddenly being thrust into consciousness. It is downright rude how the universe decided his body should be like this. He cannot appreciate his mornings even if he wants to. Dawn means waking up early for his never-ending princely duties. He loves his kingdom and its people, but being the ruler of Patchland every day is exhausting. It is a miracle he even sleeps at night. It must be his exhaustion knocking him. It would explain why he never enjoys it.
Fluff raises his head, sliding his hand to his hair, still shielding his eyes from the light. His fingers tangle with his tight coils, and he grimaces. It is going to take a while to get his hair presentable. There is a lot of it, and he lets go of it before he can make more of a mess than it already is. He must have gone to bed without detangling his hair. How fun. His head is already running with routine. But as Fluff tries to get up to carry it out, a weight on his chest stops him. He looks down, a drowsy mrrrp escaping past his lips.
Drooling on his pyjamas is none other than the light of his life. Kirby's cheek is squished against his chest, just a mop full of fluffy pink curls from his viewpoint. Fluff cannot help but smile as the irritation inside him unwinds. Fluff cups their freckled cheek. Like a moth drawn to a flame, Kirby nuzzles into his palm, revealing more of their adorable sleeping face. Their cute potato nose and pink eyelashes make Fluff swoon, even if Kirby's expression could be considered anything but. They smile in their sleep, most probably dreaming of food as a toothy smile adorns their face.
Fluff smiles, his insides melting into a warm gooey mess as he holds his love's face. How did he ever get so lucky to have someone as wonderful as Kirby at his side? Brave, resilient and oh so kind. Even just laying on top of him, as a steady and warm weight, makes all his troubles seem small - his bright and warm sunlight.
The wings on Kirby's back are proof of this. It has been a long time since they first met each other. The view is as usual to Fluff as the blue sky on a sunny day. But he sometimes catches himself looking and remembering the years they spent together before Kirby sprouted wings. Back when they were just kids falling in love so slowly.
Fluff can remember it like yesterday when Kirby got excited once the growth spurt pain stopped and they could admire the fruits of their labour. The first time Kirby took flight and soared across the room without landing wrongly and spraining their ankle was a special day. Kirby was used to their copy abilities doing all the work; relearning how to do it instinctively took longer than if they learned to fly from zero. But their hard work paid off, and the hero currently possesses two big and mighty wings.
Though Fluff cannot see Kirby's wings right now, Kirby's fluffy cape hides them inside a dimensional pocket. Fluff would argue against Kirby sleeping with their cloak. Meta Knight told him that as commonplace as a dimensional cape used to be among their ancient ancestors - it puts a lot of stain on someone's back and shoulders. But last night, the couple had just conked out in each other's arms. Too tired to even cuddle or talk about their day. But for once, it is alright. Especially as it makes Fluff's heart flutter seeing Kirby in the style of his homeland. Taranza did an excellent job recreating Patchland fashion and adding bits of Dreamland memorabilia. The mantle is a work of art, magic notwithstanding.
He squeezes Kirby affectionately, knowing that, unlike himself, Kirby is a heavy sleeper. Only world disasters wake them up unless food is involved. It is adorable. Fluff trails his hand through their short curls. They part at his caress, feather soft and assembling back into tight little coils as he combs their hair. He feels like he is in heaven, just lying in his bed with Kirby snuggled on top of him. Nothing is better in the world than the peace he feels right now. Just existing and breathing in the simplicity of laying in bed with his partner.
Days like these are a rarity. Though Kirby has done their best at making time to visit - just as Fluff tries to make time in his swamped schedule - they have their duties back in Dreamland. Kirby grew into their role in Dreamland society. They are not just an impromptu saviour anymore but the official diplomat of internal and foreign affairs. It is a fancy way of saying Kirby goes around travelling Dreamland and Popstar spreading peace and love in their own Kirby way. When they are not fighting to defend the galaxy, saving people will always be Kirby's priority. But it sure has a nice ring to it. Patchland's relationship with Dreamland has been boomed since transdimensional travel was finalised, but having Kirby as a diplomat and his partner certainly helps. It smoothed over the ruffled feathers of his council members, who were convinced he was joshing around with taking Kirby as his lover. Now they hint towards him settling down and officially becoming king, which is an improvement but only by a little. Bureaucratically things would stay the same. Only he could finally make some new laws.
Fluff draws his hold from under Kirby's embrace, holding up Kirby's arm they had wrapped around Fluff. Their hand is soft in his, cute with stubby fingers Fluff could hold all day. But he is staring at Kirby's bare ring finger.
Fluff frowns, his thoughts darkening. It is his que to get up.
It is much easier said than done. Kirby's hold in their sleep is tight. He always joked about Kirby being like an octopus — trapping their victims in their strongarm hold with their affection. But it is not as funny when it makes getting out of bed harder than it already is.
Fluff struggles to dislodge Kirby from himself, cursing under his breath. He never thought he would suffer from success, but here he is, trying to get his clingy lover off of him. It takes longer than it should, and when Fluff finally crawls out of bed, he is out of breath. He quickly hands Kirby one of the many pillows on his bed so they will not feel lonely.
He watches Kirby snuggle against it, grinning at them despite how frazzled he feels at being so active in the morning. Of course, wrestling out of Kirby's hold is an exercise in itself. But still, he cannot help but feel fond when he should feel annoyed. He supposes that is what loves does to people. Even irritating things are endearing when you are in love, even if Fluff wants to flick Kirby's nose for the inconvenience.
Fluff stares, considering for a moment if he should lie back down. Jealous at how at peace Kirby looks. He knows he should not be; Kirby, despite how easy they make things look, is one of the hard-working people he knows. But envy is infectious, and someone like Fluff is not a stranger to its curse. Not by a long shot.
With a heavy heart, Fluff sighs and walks away to begin his morning routine. After a quick shower, his thoughts wander when he sits in front of the vanity, carefully arranging his yarn hair in elegant blue curls.
Fluff has thought about marriage more than is a healthy amount. He has always been a romantic person in every sense, from dashing adventures to fawning over pretty landscapes and doting on his loved ones. Fluff loves filling his life with romance whenever he can, and that especially is the case for his love life. Kirby and he go on dates, surprise each other with gifts and visits, and even when they cannot do anything that day, they are happy with being in each other's presence.
Patchland is simple, and Fluff is not ashamed to say he does not adorn how clear their laws are. They advocate for fairness first and foremost, and though it has gotten them into trouble with the other kingdoms in the Yarn Dimension, especially as Yin Yarn took full advantage of them - there is a law Fluff is not a fan of. The heir to the throne can only become the next ruler if they marry. It is an old tradition from a troubling time when the current ruler died, and the successor who was but a child was made sovereign. King Bouclé the II could have easily made it so that the heir had to be of age to become the next monarch. But no, King Bouclé made it so that the heir had to marry to become the de facto ruler of the land. Favouring his idea of romance above everything else.
For all intents and purposes, it is a solid law. Having a partner beside you who can help you with your duties is always better in the long run. Or if something were to happen, someone trustworthy needs to step in before a power vacuum is created.
But that ignores the people who have never been interested in marriage, even if they are cut from a romantic cloth. It is not a bad idea, especially as power corrupts, and a ruler needs an equal to keep them level-headed. Fluff would be okay if he could adjust the law as a crown prince. But he cannot. Not even tiny stupid ones that have long needed a revision. The council will not let him. They cry about tradition; according to them, if he wants to change them, he should just get married. Not so gently anymore in their hinting after Fluff pushed for foreign medicine to be used in Patchland's medical scene. As long as they are tested beforehand, of course. But it does not matter to them. They see every little change as challenging their power, even on something they do not govern, like medicine.
Fluff understands their worry. He has been the unofficial ruler of Patchland even before Yin Yarn decided to stab him in the back. He wears himself ragged for his country, and as unsatisfied as the nobles are, he picked Kirby as his partner; they want to see him happy. But their idea of happiness is a big wedding with all the bells and whistles attached. They want a display of power to show off the rest of the Yarn Dimension and an assurance that Kirby will not run off and forget about Fluff, leaving him depressed and lonely. Fluff is not proud of the person he becomes when Kirby is gone for too long. It is much better than when he was a kid, as a month without hearing anything from his crush made him snap at people. Although he promptly apologises, it still makes him feel guilty. As a child, he was a bit of a brat.
But his council needs to understand the type of person Kirby is. They are a free spirit, laidback but determined when the time calls for it. They enjoy battling for the fun of it but can as quickly sit at the beach all day, napping or swimming in the ocean all the way to a new continent. Kirby carries themself with bravery, and seldom do they get discouraged; if they do, they rely on their friends and strike back with unparalleled courage.
Fluff does not have the heart to ask them to make such a big commitment. It is one thing to be dating. Any moment, as much as it would hurt, they could break it off without any legal side effects. A couple separates for many reasons, even if they still love each other. Sometimes, even when people have fantastic chemistry, it does not mean they should be or stay together.
Once upon a time, Fluff dreamed of asking Kirby to marry him. He recalls growing so flustered he could not speak, melting into a puddle of embarrassment. He used to make wedding plans in his diary and doodle their names with hearts. He had it bad.
Shamefully, he had even thought about it before they got together. He was not exactly being subtle when he gifted Kirby that lord title all those years ago. However, Dom Woole, as disapproving as he was of him getting together with Kirby when they hopped back to their dimension, did approve of it when they did get together. Because as much as Dom warns him not to let love consume him, he knows Kirby and likes them. He is not afraid of what Kirby will do as the courtiers are, but rather what will happen to Fluff if they break it off.
Fluff is older and wiser now and yet still fears Kirby's reaction. He would feel like a monster to ask Kirby to settle down. They love adventure so much! Who is Fluff to tie them down? Becoming Patchland's consort would entail being in the castle for at least 80% of the week and ruling beside him. A percentage Kirby cannot afford with their new job and if they want to see their friends and loved ones every week. Patchland is too tiny to keep someone as grandiose as Kirby in it. Fluff feels bad for even entertaining the thought.
He asked King Dedede and Meta Knight how they negotiated their marriage contract when they tied the knot. Of course, Dreamland is very different from Patchland. Its citizens do not care that Meta Knight decided not to become consort, keeping his position as the country's defendant. They agreed that Meta Knight would only step in if Dedede were incapacitated. But Fluff cannot do the same. For him to change the rules, they would have to be married for at least a year, and that year could make or break it for them. Even so, for laws to pass legislation, it can take months, and that goes without mentioning the time it takes to put them into practice. Divorce laws in Patchland are nonexistent. It is why marriage is taken so seriously around here. There is no going back on that promise to stay together forever. A tidbit that young him found romantic until he actually researched other cultures and their laws. Patchland has been long overdue for reform. As well-intentioned as everything is. Divorce is not a thing here because there needs to be a more significant fuzz to make people consider implementing it. Fluff has made a trust fund for couples who want to separate but cannot, but that does not change the fact that action must be taken.
It also could prove to Kirby that marriage is not for them.
Fluff stares at his reflection, realising he has been sitting at his vanity for longer than he should. He stands up and properly dresses for a day at court. Not rushing as that might wrinkle his outfit. He cannot have his court complaining about his propriety today.
Fluff feels selfish for even wanting to be married. He has everything to gain from it, while Kirby would lose so much. It is unfair; he does not want to impose that upon them. As happy as it would make him to be married and live happily ever after. Would it be worth stealing Kirby's freedom away to help himself?
Fluff ties his sash around his waist and finishes with everything except his makeup. But when one glance at the clock stops him from going back to his vanity to put some on. He is losing time as is. He will just have to go natural. He doubts his advisors will have much to say about that. They will just have to deal with the bags under his eyes.
Snatching his crown from its cushion, Prince Fluff marches towards the door. Though not without glancing back at Kirby. They are sprawled over the bed, lying in the light like a sleeping angel. He contemplates waking them up but decides against it. If there is anyone he knows besides himself that needs their sleep, it is the saviour of multiverses and worlds.
Nonetheless, Fluff lingers. He and Kirby have been together for so long, yet Fluff still finds his breath stolen. He knows the sound of Kirby's laughter, the many hues of colour hidden in their deep blue eyes and how their plump lips feel against his. And yet, he still yearns to touch them. To love and hold them until only death parts them.
It is a dizzying feeling, and Fluff compels himself not to recline against the door and swoon like some fainting maiden. He has done that so many times already he is sure if he looks at the door, there is a permanent dent from his antics.
Fluff steps forward, mesmerised by the beautiful image presented before him. It is seared into his mind; no painter could ever capture its majesty. They could never replicate the softness of Kirby's rosy cheeks or their perfect Caesar curls.
Kirby is downright godlike, even if Fluff ignores their accomplishments. He would stand at their altar in prayer if he could. Yet, even as they are together, he is tempted to get on his knees in worship—anything to please this wonderous creature who came into his life and brightened his world. But Kirby does not want that. In one of his heartfelt moments, Fluff once expressed this sentiment, and Kirby stared at him, unsure of what he meant until Fluff explained it thoroughly. Still, the concept is strange to them, and they prefer Fluff not to do that.
Fluff sits on the corner of the bed, gazing adoringly at his beau, laying like a starfish on their back, with the loudest snore known to star kind. Fluff wants to make Kirby happy more than anything in the world. If that means letting go, he will. Because as much as Fluff yearns to settle down and start a family, he would never impose that on Kirby. He would rather be friends than watch the love drain out of Kirby's eyes as it slowly changes into resentment. He would hate nothing more than to make them miserable. If that means his country has to wait for their prince to become a king or not at all, then so it shall be. Fluff loves his people but will not sacrifice someone else's happiness for them. The road to the underworld is paved with good intentions. If he wants everyone to be happy, he must consider every option, and if that means waiting longer to ask what Kirby's thoughts are about getting married and having kids, then he shall wait for all the years it takes. In the meantime, he will try to cheat the system a bit and help his people to the best of his current abilities.
Fluff smiles. It is a bittersweet sentiment, but he would have it no other way. Nothing good comes from rushing into things. He likes where they are now in life anyway. He cannot let his council get in his head like this. Whereas it is a beautiful dream, he will wait forever for Kirby if that is what it takes.
Fluff sighs, dusting his off trousers as he gets up. He must really be going if he does not want to miss his first meeting of the day. He has just enough time to grab a quick breakfast from the kitchen and still make it in time to review the notes he took from the last meeting.
But he hesitates. He bites his lip, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Kirby looks too beautiful to be left like this. A forehead kiss cannot hurt. Just one, and Fluff will be on his merry way — the perfectly respectable and orderly prince.
Fluff leans down, gently brushing Kirby's curls away from their temple. His lips graze against Kirby's forehead. But Fluff stops as he looks outside his window, seeing the sun much higher in the sky. He spent a little too much daydreaming - he is late!
Prince Fluff springs upright, falling backwards in his panic. He feels himself being caught, but when he realises how he is pulled down.
"Whoa!" Fluff yelps, coming face to face with an awake Kirby. Though apt, their groggy eyes reveal they are not quite wakeful yet. Their hold is firm, hazy eyes searching for any threat. Always instinct first before questions. But Kirby's eyes clear up, and they grin.
Fluff wishes he could return it, but he is gathering his bearings. It is hard to remain calm and collected when he is suddenly tipped over, hovering right above Kirby and caging their head into the pillows. He cannot rise; Kirby still has their hands around his collar - holding him in place.
Kirby realises this, letting go with a chuckle, their voice deep in the morning. It sounds like music to Fluff's ears. Kirby slides their hands over to his shoulders, steadying Fluff so he is not on the verge of collapsing on top of them.
Fluff moves to rise and apologise for the surprise wake-up call, but Kirby's expectant eyes keep him in place. No words are spoken between them; Fluff knows precisely what they want. He can see it in the twitch of their lips and how their celestial blues linger on his mouth.
Fluff feels himself redden. It is far too late in their relationship to be embarrassed at the thought of Kirby wanting to kiss him. But the openness of it, right in the morning with Kirby underneath him, fries his brain.
But he takes too long to act. Finally, Kirby rolls their eyes and, in a move that is so Kirby - rises so they can kiss Fluff themself. It is not a surprise, and still, Fluff finds himself stunned. Their hands are soft as they trail up to his face, coaxing him to lean closer so Kirby can lie flat on their back.
One kiss becomes two. Two becomes three, four, five, and Fluff has lost count by the tenth kiss. He used to fear it, just as he was excited to kiss like they do in fairytales. Yet with Kirby, kissing feels effortless. He kisses their mouth, their cheek, and even Kirby's jaw when they giggle - it is all so magical.
When Fluff pulls away, feeling ready to start the day - Kirby pulls him back in. Again and again, back into their little cocoon of love and endearment.
"Honeybun, I need to go," Fluff is interrupted with another kiss. He laughs," - please! My council is waiting on me." Fluff pleads as if he actually wants to go. But, he would rather stay in this little piece of heaven they create together.
But Kirby shakes their head, flipping their positions and laying back on top of him. Quite frankly, Fluff realises fast he is not going anywhere. He could push them off again; if he was serious. There is no way Kirby would keep him here if he did not wish to be here. But Fluff finds his will to start a stressful day - waning with each second. How is he supposed to resist when there is sweetness on his lips and a deity right in front of him, loving him as much as he loves them?
Kirby kisses him sweetly, and he follows by example because why would he not? He would be a fool to deny this paradise. All his worries melt away into cotton candy fluff, happy to be showered in his partner's love. As they spent the morning quietly in bed, kissing and cuddling and just being together as themselves, Fluff thinks;
Maybe, all mornings aren't so bad after all.