Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original ideas and characters. Thank for reading and please review so I know what you think!
Note: This was supposed to be about Addison's party…but I got sidetracked a little imaging Harry's reactions and such as I watched the movie to refresh my memory. Sorry. Next chapter. I promise.
Also sorry for posting this so late. The site wouldn't let me earlier.
A Disney Moment or Two
The next day could have started out better. Harry thought that mainly because he didn't get much sleep due to the fact that Daisy spent the night 'sneaking' into his room every couple of hours to make sure that he was still in the house before 'sneaking' back to her own room. It made for a restless night for both of them. Daisy was all but sleeping in her eggs and bacon come breakfast and he wasn't much better, truth be told. Eggsy just shook his head over both of them and did his best to keep them conscious.
Things got somewhat better as the morning continued and Harry, who was still half asleep when he agreed to it, was put in charge of keeping Daisy distracted while Eggsy worked on getting the food ready for Addison's party.
Harry hadn't colored in a coloring book in decades and would prefer not to count exactly how many, thank you very much, but it was preferable to seeing Daisy cry or cling to him. And it was obviously an honor in her mind that he be allowed to color in HER coloring book. Especially since he apparently didn't use the right colors.
"Elsa's dress is blue, Unca Harry."
"Ah, I see. My apologies to you and Elsa."
"Elsa's a queen."
"Ah, my apologies then to Queen Elsa."
Nodding her head regally Daisy colored some of a snowman's face orange along with its nose. "Do ya not know bout Elsa and Anna? They's is sisters and Elsa's got powers!"
"What kind of powers does Elsa have?"
It was a simple question really. Or at least Harry thought so. But apparently it meant that they had to watch 'Frozen'. Immediately.
Leaving the cleaning up of their markers to Daisy as she apparently liked them in the box a certain way Harry was sent to retrieve the DVD from Daisy's collection of Disney movies and put it in. Absently he noted that there were a number of titles he didn't recognize, including one called 'Zootopia', and made a note to perhaps promise to watch one of them when he got back from the States with her. He did enjoy his movie nights with Eggsy when the opportunity arose.
Once the DVD was in and English had been selected as their preferred language Daisy walked over and made it clear with her pointed finger that Harry had to sit on the carpeted floor rather than on the couch like he'd planned. But having no problem with that Harry sat down as directed but a little off to the side, thinking that she intended to sit beside him and therefore should be in the center. Only she didn't.
No, Daisy walked in front of him and then down she went, Harry's arms moving of their own accord to wrap around her waist and steady her as she plopped down into his lap without any warning whatsoever. And then immediately started to wiggle to get comfortable before setting Mr. Fox down beside Harry in what he'd thought would be her place. She even put her hands over his, as if to insure he didn't move them from around her.
It was a very weird thing, emotionally, to have a small child snuggling into your lap.
The whole thing was almost as unexpected as the trailer for a Muppets movie that had just popped up on the screen, distracting Harry from the surprise of it. They were still making Muppet movies? Really? Though the version he'd known when he was younger was obviously far superior to what was playing out before him. He really would have to get his hands on the original. Daisy was sure to appreciate it. Far more than the fairy trailer that followed the Muppet one. Yes, Daisy seemed to like it, but Harry was fairly sure that Tinkerbell wasn't someone he wanted his ward to consider a role model. He'd have to check later to see if this fairy pirate movie was among Daisy's collection.
And ah the familiar-huh. Well that was interesting. The Scandinavian music playing as the Disney castle came into view was a surprise. And as the song switched over into English it became oddly appealing for a song about something like ice.
And boy did the opening scene make Harry grateful that ice was much easier to acquire these days.
Then came the introduction of the two little girls who would grow up to play the lead characters, adorable, and then the tragic accident with Elsa's powers that caught him completely by surprise. How horrible for both children. The troll saving the day rather than playing a villainous role was an interesting twist that Harry very much approved of as the less physically appealing magical creatures were too often negatively stereotyped in his opinion. Shame though that the head troll had to go and scare the parents into isolating their eldest child from their youngest. Logic said that was only going to make Elsa worse, not better. He'd only been a 'parent' for a short time and even he could figure that much out.
And then of course the Disney writers had to go and kill off both parents because what was a Disney movie without the untimely demise of one or both parents. Honestly, what did the Disney writers have against parents that they seemed determined to emotionally scar their main characters this way whenever possible? Come to think of it, was it scarring for Daisy to watch this given the recent death of both her parents? She didn't seem affected at all as she stared at the screen with rapt attention. Though she was only three. He'd talk with Eggsy about it later.
On a more positive note the animation was excellent even if he did find himself nostalgic for the-dear lord! Did that man just eat half of a carrot he'd pulled out of that reindeer's mouth? That was so unsanitary! And just plain gross. I mean yes in general reindeer ate lichen, leaves and grasses, but they-Oh. That was a serious case of bedhead Anna was sporting.
And if only it was possible to deal with unruly hair that quickly, Harry thought wistfully as Anna came running out of her bedroom moments later perfectly groomed for her next singing number. Which was rather lovely right up until the bit about her possibly being gassy. They mentioned such things in Disney movies now? Really?
The fact that the song devolved into the princess being obsessed with the idea of meeting her prince wasn't surprising, though still disappointing. It was fairly standard for fairy tales, no pun intended. And was that Idina Menzel he was hearing? She was the voice of Elsa? How lovely. He'd loved her in 'Rent' and 'Wicked'.
When the song ended Daisy patted his arm, Harry looking down at her questioningly to find her tipping her head back to look at him while pointing at the screen. "We don't wikes him."
Looking back over at the princely looking chap who appeared to be trying, and failing, to help Anna out of the boat she'd stumbled into, Harry assumed that this meant the man was the future villain and looked back down again to assure Daisy that he understood.
She nodded in satisfaction and then turned her attention back to the screen.
Talk about awkward first meetings though. And this clumsy young man was potentially the villain? Or perhaps this Hans person just wasn't who Daisy wanted Anna to end up with? There was that man with the unsanitary eating habits after all. He'd been featured prominently on the DVD cover, unlike the man who actually possessed some manners when it came to behaving well in public.
Oh well, he'd find out what was what eventually.
The coronation played out with only a bit of a hitch, though why she couldn't have kept the gloves on Harry didn't know since her getting through the ceremony was more important than tradition. It wasn't like there was someone higher ranking than her to argue against it. And then came the moment where the two sisters smelled chocolate at the afterparty.
He now got Eggsy comment about Daisy and ketchup.
Amused by that Harry was smiling over it right up until the whole problem of Anna wanting to marry a man she'd only known a few hours at most. He'd forgotten this rather unfortunate Disney habit as well. Yes there were time constraints and such but really, a few hours? Though then again Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty…but during the Disney Renaissance Belle, Jasmine, and Pocahontas had spent some time with their blokes before going soft on them. Dear God please don't say that in the twenty first century Disney had started to devolve back to the original princess stereotypes. Surely not? Hadn't he read somewhere that-ah, maybe the point was that Anna was meant to represent the old version princess while Elsa the new type as she acted as the voice of reason. That could be it.
"You aren't marrying anyone without mine and Eggsy's permission by the way." Harry muttered to Daisy, who loudly shushed him in response.
Then moments later she squealed and pointed towards a mountain range as a new song began.
Ah, Idina again. And this was more like it, Harry noted as he paid attention to the lyrics Daisy was rather butchering as she sang along. Much more empowering and positive message wise.
The animation and design of Elsa's ice castle was impressive as well. Though the fact that it was computer animated was especially obvious. Not to mention the lack of furniture was going to be a problem. Just walking a straight line on all that ice in insensible footwear was going to be an uphill battle, no pun intended. Well, not much of one.
Then it was back to Anna, unfortunately. And sadly it was no surprise that she didn't have the sense to change into more appropriate clothing before heading out into a snowstorm. She was certainly not a look before you leap sort of girl.
Some enjoyable humor followed thanks to Anna's conversation with the shopkeeper, and then came her first meeting with carrot boy. Who obviously had some deep-seated mental issues given his need to hold conversation with himself while using the reindeer as an excuse. Not that there was anything wrong with talking to yourself, Harry did it himself upon occasion, but using a different voice and such…that suggested possible health issues. Mentally.
And again with the sharing a carrot with the reindeer!
"Daisy…you aren't ever to take eating lessons from this person."
"Kristoff is funny."
"That may be. But his manners are atrocious."
And naturally it was the mentally unstable one that pointed out how silly and stupid Anna was to accept the proposal of a man whose last name she didn't even know. That just figured. And the whole picking your nose and eating it thing…Eggsy thought this was appropriate viewing for a small child?
Wolves too? Of course there were.
Though the whole sled thing, and the part where Kristoff bemoaned having just paid it off, was a little amusing. But not amusing enough to forgive his previous bad manners and unhealthy reindeer obsession.
A talking snowman. Named Olaf. Who wanted to experience summer. Oh dear.
)
By the time the movie was over Harry was willing to cut both Anna and Kristoff some slack when it came to them being horrible role models as their hearts proved to be in the right place even when their common sense was very much lacking. And given that Kristoff was raised by trolls, well who could blame him for lacking social graces and manners. And as for Anna…well she was isolated from all but her servants for years without even knowing why so Harry supposed that could excuse at least some of her bad decisions. Especially when you factored in the fact that teenagers tended to make bad decisions with alarming regularity. And he did very much like the twist at the end, with the love between sisters being what saved Anna rather than romantic love. That was well done.
But all good things have to come to an end, and once the movie was over and put away Harry checked the time and saw that it was nearing noon.
At breakfast Eggsy had asked what they should have for lunch and Harry had suggested that they just get some takeaway since Eggsy already had the food for the birthday party to deal with. Eggsy, house elf that he was, had vetoed the idea until a then sleep deprived and therefore not thinking clearly Harry had pointed out that they could in fact walk down to the shops together to pick it up rather than have it delivered. Get some exercise and work up an appetite for the party later.
Shit. What if Eggsy wasn't coming with them?
"All right then, you two? You've been quiet."
"Eggsy! We watched 'Frozen'!"
"Ah." Eggsy shot him a sympathetic look as he came over to ruffle Daisy's curls. "Well now that it's over what's say you go get your sandals on for our walk, eh? If we're still on for going ta go get a slice of course. I don't mind throwin together some sandwiches or somethin."
Throwing her hands up in the air Daisy's 'Pizza!' made it clear what her feelings were on the matter.
"Pizza it is, then."
"I gets my shoes on!" Daisy announced, Mr. Fox flying after her as she ran off only to come to an abrupt halt as she whirled around to ask if Harry was coming too.
"I'll be there to get my shoes on in just a moment." Harry assured her.
A beaming smile and then off she went from sight.
Sharing a smile with Eggsy Harry joined the younger man in following after her, both of them getting their shoes on in no time with Harry grabbing his umbrella, just in case.
Once they were outside Daisy handed Mr. Fox over to Eggsy and then held out her hand expectantly until her brother switched the stuffed animal over to his other hand and took hers. Then Daisy took Harry's hand and quite happily began to swing their arms as they walked up the road towards the main street.
"So what did ya think of it?"
"'Frozen'? Well I have to admit that I prefer the hand drawn look to the computer animation Disney is employing now. Naturally I understand why they've chosen to make the switch, and the visuals were stunning, but in my opinion they lacked the…the heart of what I remember. The Disney movie of the nineties, during their Renaissance, were the perfect blend of music, visual art, and storytelling. Of course one tends to be nostalgic for what-what?"
Eggsy was giving him the weirdest look.
"You're just…" Eggsy trailed off as he shook his head with a wide smile on his face.
"I'm what?"
His head cocked at an angle as he looked over at Harry Eggsy eyes were soft as he gave him a sidelong look. "Fu-bloody adorbs sometimes."
Adorbs? Oh. Short for…adorable?
"I'm adorbs too, wight, Eggsy?"
"Oh you are the most adorbs little girl there ever was, Flower."
Beaming with pleasure Daisy gave their arm swinging some extra swing, Harry grateful for her timely interruption as he forced himself not to react to Eggsy's opinion of him.
Though he was probably smiling like an idiot.
)
Thankfully they arrived at the pizza place without further incident and the slices they purchased to tide them over until Addison's party proved to be excellent considering it wasn't considered popular British fare. Daisy certainly loved it even if she did have a bad habit of wanting to pick all the topping off and eat them first. Regardless it was a nice meal overall, the surprise coming when Eggsy announced that they needed to stop at another shop before heading home. To pick up the balloons he'd ordered for Addison's party. Balloons. Oh dear.
"Eggsy…it's never a good idea to give that man something he can use as target practice. At social engagements, I mean."
"Harry, it ain't like he's gonna bring a gun ta his birthday party." A telling pause. "Right?"
"Likely no." Harry conceded after serious consideration. "But he's liable to have a blade of some sort on his person."
"Huh." Eggsy looked down at Daisy, who was snuggling against his chest at the moment since she hadn't wanted to walk anymore. "Well if he really wants ta he could do it as a party game, I suppose. He's just gots ta leave a couple for us ta take home. That's why I got them. I figured they'd be another distraction for her. She loves helium balloons."
"Ah. Good idea."
Eggsy shrugged his shoulders. "No big. Though when we get in the shop you'll have ta keep a sharp eye on Daisy while I pay for em. She likes the flowers and we don't need none of those today."
"Flowers?"
"Yeah. The florist shop near us does balloons as well, a side business from the looks of it to compete with the other one that's just a stone throw's away. Personally I think Emily's stock is better, not ta mention she's a sight more friendly than the ones that work at the other place. But yeah, the posh want the poshest so Emily's been struggling a bit. It's another reason why I decided ta get the balloons."
Observing Eggsy's sheepish expression Harry felt a clutch in his chest as he asked if Eggsy also fancied the florist herself. They certainly sounded friendly. And why else would the boy be visiting florist shops?
"Wot? Emily?" Eggsy laughed, his face lighting up. "Nah. She's quite happily married, Gov. With grandkids she's mad about."
"Ah." He shouldn't be relieved.
"We get flowers from her sometimes. For Mum and me Dad."
Understanding now Harry reached over to give Eggsy's shoulder a squeeze. Having died serving his country Lee Unwin had been granted a proper funeral that had reflected his sacrifice. Eggsy and Daisy's mother, on the other hand…well there hadn't been money for a proper funeral and she'd been cremated instead. Eggsy had confined in him that when the ground had thawed enough for it he'd dug a hole over his father's final resting place and had buried his mother's ashes there so that the two would be together even though there was no marker to indicate she was there as well.
"Next time you go and visit, perhaps I could come with you? After we get some flowers from Emily, of course."
"I'd like that."
For a moment Eggsy leaned his shoulder against his, a gesture Harry wasn't sure how to interpret even as he stilled and waited.
But Eggsy just smiled at him for a moment and then stated that they better be on their way.
They had a party to go to.
