Beauty

Summary: Butterford stops by the Enchancian castle when a grand ball is going on, surprising Sofia and Cedric with an invitation to his upcoming wedding to Muscles. When he's invited to stay, he catches the eye of a young prince who has no idea of Butterford's identity, leading to some interesting moments.

Disclaimer: I only own Butterford and any mentioned OC in here, including Prince Tennyson.

A/N: This was super random after a chat with Mr. Shortman92 one afternoon. Lol. I've been exhausted and stressed from getting things ready for the new school year, and this was a great outlet. And it's a nice little departure from the serious chaos in many of my other stories. Haha. Hope you enjoy!

"As riveting as this ball is," Cedric began one evening while he was standing near a large window in the ballroom with Sofia, his right hand just barely grazing her side through her gown and his left hand lost somewhere in her wavy hair, "I feel my time would be better spent with my wife, in our home…" He leaned down, whispering to her, "In her arms, her warm skin lovingly pressed against mine…" He allowed his lips to graze the shell of her ear, his tongue purposefully making contact with her earlobe, causing her to shiver. "Soft and supple, delicate like always…" He trailed his right hand up a bit, chuckling quietly when he heard her gasp as he caressed her in a clearly sensitive area.

"C-Cedric," Sofia giggled, a blush rising to her cheeks. Her husband wasn't usually one to say or do such things in public, especially with so many people around, but his introversion had kicked in and he was most likely in survival mode. If he thought using suggestive language and touches would make her vacate the ballroom sooner, she had news for him… "And as tempting as that sounds, I promised Amber I would stay."

He groaned in dismay, his arms lowering to encircle her small frame as his head lowered against her shoulder. "Sofia… Watching your father decide between his ivory or pearl cravat was more fun than this ball."

The princess laughed, patting his head, her fingers gently combing through his hair. "I know, Cedric. It'll be over before you know it."

"Princess Sofia, you have a visitor," one of the guards announced as the orchestra continued their playing in the background, several couples swaying rhythmically around the floor, including Desmond and Amber, who seemed just as lost in each other's eyes as they had always been. The guard bowed respectfully and left, revealing Butterford, who seemed a bit perplexed.

Sofia smiled as Cedric lifted his head, curious who had arrived. "Hey, Jas. I'm surprised to see you." She stepped forward, hugging him warmly, sighing happily as he returned it.

"I know I probably should have sent notice that I was coming," he admitted sheepishly, smiling at his friends. "I didn't mean to crash the party."

"Please, crash it," Cedric told him. "I'm all for ending this thing early so I can get out of here."

Sofia released her Guardian, returning to Cedric to lean against him. "So, what brings you here?"

The fair-haired Guardian hesitated momentarily before reaching into his pocket, withdrawing a beautifully engraved white envelope with a wax seal on it. He handed it to Sofia, his hand gently brushing hers when he did so. "It's…an invitation to our wedding." He smiled as she gasped in realization. "For Muscles and me, that is."

"It's about time," the princess teased, opening the envelope and reading over the details. She showed Cedric and nodded. "We'll be there!" Her eyes were soon drawn to her friend's hands as she saw him folding them just beneath his chin, a content smile on his face. She gasped softly, reaching out to take his hands into hers, realizing something for the first time that evening. "Your gloves… They're gone…" She began tracing what appeared to be new patterns—rose tattoos—on his still-scarred but healed hands. "Jas… Where did you get these markings?"

"I met an enchantress friend of Vega's, and she told me she specialized in magical healing and protection." He used one of his hands to gesture toward the other, still nestled in Sofia's hold. "The tattoos are magical, and they work as protective sealant for my skin. But the layer is thin enough to where I can actually feel things… Because of these markings, I don't have to wear the gloves anymore if I don't want to. Look." He pointed out a sliver of green vines, which were wrapped around where some bone and bits of muscle were usually exposed; they were now coated and protected. The designs of the flower were clearly enchanted, the red roses glittering and even swaying lightly as his hand moved, and the leaves and vines caressed his hand and wrist, settling down again.

"That's wonderful, Jas," Cedric told him, nodding with a smile. "I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, Cedric." He laughed as Sofia gently squeezed his hands before releasing them, opting instead to hug him. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her protectively, as he was used to doing in his line of work.

A few moments later, Sofia stepped back, reaching up and playfully fluffing out Butterford's hair. "Do you want to stay and hang out with us for a while? Cedric's bored—"

"I didn't say—"

"—and would probably enjoy some extra company." She grinned at her husband, who scoffed and folded his arms, though she could see a little smile on his face.

"Am I even dressed properly for a ball?" Butterford wondered, looking down at his outfit. Instead of his Guardian work outfit he often wore, he had on more leisurely white boots that just passed his ankles, white satin pants, and a long white buttoned tunic with butterfly and flower patterns along the cuffs, collar, and shoulders. His usual gold sash remained, an emblem of his profession. His hair, longer now, fell in lazy waves over his shoulders and down to his mid back, a few pieces framing his face as usual.

"You look beautiful as always," Sofia insisted, smiling as her friend blushed modestly. "What do you say? Stay?"

He chuckled, nodding. "Very well. But is there anywhere I can get something to drink? I'm a little thirsty."

"The enchanted punch bowl might be of service," Cedric told him, gesturing toward a long table a few feet away. "You just pick up a cup, state a flavor, and it pours you the drink you would like."

"Awesome! Okay, I'll be right back." He left the couple behind as he walked up to the bowl, picked up a cup, and murmured, "Mango." He laughed as the punch changed to a lighter orange color, and he held his cup under the small spout to retrieve his drink. He'd just put the drink up to his lips when he heard someone near him talk.

"That's my favorite flavor too."

Butterford managed to sip some of the juice before looking next to him. A man with a medium skin tone probably close to his age, dressed in a white tailored top with gold buttons, bowtie, handkerchief in the top left breast pocket, and sash around his waist; black slacks; and polished black shoes stood there, his short chocolate brown hair styled immaculately, and his peculiar purple eyes filled with mirth. He placed the cup down, smiling a bit. "Um, yeah… Yeah, mango is a good flavor. Did…you need the punch bowl, and I'm in the way?"

"Oh, no, no… Actually…" He shrugged, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "I was going to see if…you would like to dance."

The Guardian paused, looking behind him to make sure the other man wasn't talking to someone else, before looking back at him. He pointed one finger to his chest, asking, "Me?"

"Of course, you," the brunet joked, laughing. "I don't see any other beautiful girls in my direct line of sight." He nodded behind Butterford toward Amber, who was laughing and talking to her friends and Desmond, her crown glinting in the candlelight. "Save for Queen Amber over there, but I'm well aware that she is married."

"I, uh…" Okay, so… Butterford knew that he had lighter or softer features than most other guys, and even than some girls. He was blessed with mesmerizing aquamarine eyes, like the color of the ocean after a rainstorm, and soft flowing hair. He credited a lot of that to his own mother, who once looked quite similar to how he did now. Maybe it was a sort of…unconscious connection? He wasn't sure. Also, his voice was a bit lighter and more delicate, sort of like a soft alto tone that was comforting and pleasant to hear. So he understood the misconception when some mistook him for a girl. Usually, it wasn't that hard to correct them. It wasn't even really something that came up that often, because he was around so few strangers… But now… Well… "I…don't think that's such a good idea," he finally settled on.

"Why not?" He brushed one finger down Butterford's jaw, smiling knowingly as he felt the other guy shiver a bit. "Afraid you'll fall in love?" he teased.

Butterford reached up, taking the stranger's hand, lowering it as he corrected, "Afraid you will…" He turned to leave, but the man took his wrist, stopping him. He frowned, looking back. "Look, buddy—"

"Tennyson," the man offered, smiling charmingly. "Prince of Eschlon. Just one dance." Without another word, he pulled Butterford close, his hands placed in the proper positions for a waltz, and began leading the Guardian around the floor in a dance.

"He looks so uncomfortable," Sofia told Cedric, stepping toward the floor, taking his hand, and pulling him along. "We need to get him away from that guy."

"Did he literally just make Jas dance when he explicitly said no?" Cedric frowned, shaking his head. "I have half a mind to zap the nuisance right here and now, but I left my wand in our bedroom."

Sofia eyed him mischievously. "Well… You can help him, actually…" She smiled innocently as the sorcerer finally realized what she was letting onto.

"Sofia…"

"Cedric…" She gestured toward Butterford, who was still trying to break from the other man's hold. "He saved my life. A few times already. Without him, I might not be here. I'm sure he'd appreciate it if the favor was returned."

Sighing, the dark-haired magic wielder nodded, a slight whine escaping his lips. "I don't know how I let you talk me into these things…" He ignored her snickers as he walked over to the dancing duo, tapping Tennyson on the shoulder. "Pardon me, sir."

Tennyson looked toward Cedric, his eyebrows furrowing a bit as he sized him up. "What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy dancing with the most beautiful person at the ball?"

Butterford was mildly flattered by the acknowledgement, but he was so ready to leave… He wasn't used to this much attention, and the only person he wanted holding him like this was Muscles. He wished he had the physical strength his partner did…

"I'm well aware. And are you aware that said 'beautiful person' does not belong to you?" He reached between them, tugging Butterford toward him, holding up his rose-tattooed-hand with the engagement ring nestled snuggly in its place. "He's engaged."

"Oh, I'm—wait, he?" Tennyson pointed between the two of them, confusion etched on his face. "You two? I… Wait, aren't you with Princess Sofia?" He gasped dramatically, holding a hand to his mouth. "Does she know?"

Cedric sputtered while Butterford couldn't help hiding a smile behind his own hand. "Not to me, you ignoramus! To his partner of a few years now… And correct me if I'm wrong, Prince Tennyson, but… Did Jas not tell you that he did not want to dance? And did you not completely ignore him and forcefully require him to do so anyway?"

"W-Well, I…"

"How would your own people feel about their crown prince forcing himself on an engaged, innocent bystander? It's such a crude, dishonorable thing to do."

"I-I'm sorry! Please don't tell my father. He would… Oh, I don't even…" He cleared his throat, shaking his head before looking toward Butterford briefly. "M-My apologies…" With that, he hurried away.

Cedric sighed, folding his arms as he looked back toward Butterford. "Are you all right?"

Butterford nodded, smiling playfully as he patted his friend's cheek. "I'm just fine, hero." He laughed, lowering his hand as Cedric rolled his eyes. "I'm surprised you didn't initiate some random dramatic scene. I'm sure it would have been just as convincing."

"Yes, well, I'd also rather not have to explain to King Roland why I suddenly had to declare my love for you in front of a hundred people, just to get that overzealous prince off your back." He shook his head. "Not to mention 'the talk' my mother would insist on having."

Butterford dramatically flipped his hair over his shoulder, sending a cheeky grin and wink toward the sorcerer. "Well, I hate to break your heart, Cedric, but I'm taken…" The Guardian smiled and shrugged as Cedric blushed a bit in embarrassment. He then nudged him playfully, causing Cedric to loosen up and even chuckle a bit. "Seriously, though, thanks for helping me out. I can see why Sofia loves you."

"You're a part of the family, Jas," he acknowledged warmly. "You saved my wife on many occasions. Regardless of the seriousness of the situation, we'll always step in on your behalf."

Butterford hummed happily, smiling. "Thanks, Cedric."

Sofia smiled as her husband and friend approached her, and she immediately hurried up to Butterford. "Are you okay? Do I need to take care of that guy or what?"

"I'm fine, Sofia, but I appreciate the offer." He nodded toward Cedric. "Your charming sorcerer here scared him off. Although now he may have a problem with the idiot prince thinking Cedric and I are a couple…" He sighed dramatically. "I can see the gossip now: Cedric the Sensational Leaves Princess Sofia for her Male Guardian!"

Cedric reached out, placing a hand over Butterford's mouth, even as the younger guy was laughing, offering him a pointed look. "Would you stop that?! Besides." He lowered his hand as Butterford and Sofia exchanged playful glances. "I could never court you while I'm still with Sofia. That wouldn't be fair."

"So…" Sofia placed a finger to her chin. "You would court Jas if you and I weren't married?"

The sorcerer saw the matching smirks on the friends' faces and flushed, turning around. "I knew I shouldn't have come to this blasted ball. I'll relieve Calista and Angel of babysitting duties."

"Aw, Cedric, we're just kidding," Butterford admitted, reaching out and placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I promise."

Cedric nodded, still pouting a bit. "If you say so."

Sofia grabbed his arms and pressed a firm kiss to his lips, her hands then moving to cup his face as he wrapped his arms around her. She smiled coyly up at Cedric. "I love you, Cedric."

"Mm…" He returned the smile, placing his forehead against hers. "I love you too, my darling."

"And on that note, I think I'll head back home now." Butterford laughed as Sofia slipped from Cedric's hold and hugged him instead. He caressed her hair for a few moments, enjoying the warmth of her hug, before glancing at both of them. "We've got a lot of planning to do, after all. I'll see you both at the wedding then?"

"Absolutely. We wouldn't miss it."

"Indeed," Cedric echoed as Sofia slid back into his arms, hugging him from the side as he did the same for her. "Be safe getting home, Jas."

"I will. Thanks again, Loverboy." Butterford laughed at the small jab he'd gotten in before leaving the ballroom swiftly.

"You're blushing," Sofia teased, poking his arm.

"It's just warm in here, that's all," Cedric countered, clearing his throat. "Now then… We can either dance or go home. So…"

She giggled, tugging him to the dance floor as his blush faded and a smile grazed his lips once more. "I thought you'd never ask!"

The end