(Next chapter is here! This first part is loosely based off of Frederick's and Gwen's conversation in the library at episode 49. I had to tweak this part just a smidgen, so I wouldn't be relying on the original dialogue too much since Frederick's motivations and emotional state are vastly different from the original episode. So I just included the major important parts of the conversation that reveal more about Frederick's mental state. I had to do a lot of research with this chapter so it could feel authentic, which mainly involved reading back to earlier chapters and skimming the reddit pool. I just really wanted both parties injustices to feel genuine, which I hope I did. Enjoy!)
Ch.5
"Gwen? What are you doing here? I thought you couldn't come." Frederick asked.
The youngest Pastel Princess smiled as she replied. "Dad was able to come back from his expedition early. So we were able to come in time for the party." Frederick nodded in understanding as he took in Gwen's formal attire. Her thin brown hair was tied up in a loose yet elegant bun; Her unbound curls hung in front of her oval face, framing it perfectly. The look was completed by a beautiful flowing green plaid ball gown that matched the tone of her whitish-green skin. Her long white gloves gave her the look of the most regal of queens; For a brief moment, she reminded him of an old picture book he once read before that depicted the image of a Faery queen. "How did you know I was here?" he asked. "Lance said that you might be in the library. And I thought I drop by and say hello."
"Oh then you can come in…..If you want to."
Gwen looked a little surprise as she said. "Ok…."
The two teens sat in silence for a minute that stretched into two. Ughh, this is so awkward. Just talk to her, dummy. If one more minute of quiet goes by I'm going to choke myself. "Your...dressed a little differently today."
Gwen looked away flustered as she replied, "Uh, It was suggested that we dress in plaid for the occasion. I know it looks a little weird.."
"No…. it looks nice."
Gwen blushed. "Oh, thank you…. Anyway thanks for lending me this book. I was really captivated by the story with the angel of mercy and the serpent. Its been a while since I read a fairy tale that was so engaging."
" I'm glad you liked it. It used to be my most favorite book when I was a kid. I...lost it during that time, so it was really surprising to see it again."
" I had no idea! What was it like to read it again." Frederick frowned as he replied "Honestly….. I don't really enjoy it much now as I did back then."
"Really? Why not?"
"Its just….. When….. I just feel irritated when I read about how the villagers start adoring the man when before they didn't even know he existed. Their love for the man is fake, they don't really love him, they just love that they found someone they could use." Gwen felt herself jump as his sharp tone cut the air around them; She's never heard him speak like this. "Yeah. I guess I didn't see that the first time I read it….. Anyway, why are you in here when everyone's out there."
"I'm not really a fan of big parties like this. They make me uncomfortable."
"Oh, then why don't you just stick with your family? They would probably love to hang out with you- "
"Yeah right...They're always surrounded by tons of adoring people, and I'm completely ignored the entire time. Those parties always make me feel the worst about myself."
When Frederick saw Gwen's shocked expression, he mentally slapped himself. "Why did I just blurt all of that out right now!?" When Gwen spoke, her voice came out gentle. "Um,... I've met so many amazing princesses at my extracurricular study. And they've taught me a lot…. Including what to do when I'm not feeling very good abut myself. They told me that we all need to practice being kind to ourselves every day and to listen to the kindness of the people who care about you."
He felt numb as he remembered his mother's cold stare and sharp words.
"Yeah. What if no one cares about me?"
"Well, that's not true. I care about you." Gwen replied with the most sincerest of smiles.
He felt something strike his chest, something that filled it with warmth; It traveled into his face turning his cheeks a rosy shade of pink. Something else rose along with it as he felt his eyes itch.
"Thank you so much Gwen. That…. I really needed to hear that." he croaked and then turned away when he realized he was about to cry. "Oh, your welcome. Are you ok, Frederick? You look like your about to cry." asked Gwen as she gently laid a hand on his shoulder. Frederick wiped away his tears as best he could." I'm fine. Its…been a tough day."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, thanks. I'll just get too worked up."
"Oh...Ok."
They sat in silence for a moment before Gwen said, "Hey, maybe if you went to the party with a friend then you won't feel so lonely." Frederick smiled as he stood up and extended a hand to Gwen. " That's the best idea I heard all day." Gwen smiled widely as she accepted his hand and the two left the library.
At the door to the ball, the two teenagers stood there. Frederick took a few deep breaths, his palms soaked in nerve sweats. "You ready?" asked Gwen grasping his hand despite the dampness. Frederick took another deep breath before replying,
"...Yes."
He pushed open the heavy door and entered. A massive room filled with people greeted them. The walls were adorn with bright lights and…that was pretty much it. Lance was never really big on extravagant decorations, so the majority of the decorations was done courtesy of the event planners. Though the hand carved, gold leafed columns extending to ceiling did give the room a little flair. It was loaded with people, who were all dancing, drinking, having a good time, and bumping and mashing into each other like tadpoles in a pond.
But at the moment Frederick didn't care. All the anxiety, dread, and anger only came up in small barely noticeable waves. Gwen was right, going to a party with a friend does make it better. In fact he felt pretty good about being here; like something was telling him everything was going to be fine. Frederick smiled as he motioned to Gwen. "I'm going to have some punch, do you want anything?" he asked. "Sure. I'll tag along." she said as she followed him to the refreshments table. Frederick started pouring two cups of punch. Things were really goi-
"FREDERICK!"
Oh, hell.
He turned around in time to see a very angry looking Blaine marching toward him along with Lance. Frederick turned towards Gwen, who looked confused and slightly concerned. "I'll catch up with you later. You probably don't want to see this." he said with a small smile that didn't reached his weary eyes. She nodded as she walked off to give the brothers some privacy. Frederick turned to face his brothers.
Blaine looked absolutely livid.
His face was tomato red and his lips were pursed into a thin white line as he stomped over to him with his hands clenched into tight fists. Lance was coming up behind him but he didn't look angry. In fact, he had a firm hand on Blaine's shoulder almost as if to hold his elder brother back; His eyes were downcast. When Blaine reached him, Frederick braced himself as Blaine took in a rushed breath. "Alright, You're not going to run anymore. We are going to talk about this like grown ups. First, you insult Lance, then skip out on a whole day of your lessons, and you cursed me out and shoved me into a wall. You wanted our attention? Well, you got it, Frederick. What's got you all sad and sulky this time? Seriously, I just don't get it; You have everything you could ever want. Money. Fame. Power. You're going to be engaged in a few years for god sake! Yet, you act like a spoiled brat and want to disobey and define anything we tell you to do. You think we like trying to keep you out of trouble with dad?! We can't just spend the rest of our lives babying you and-." Blaine stopped when he felt Lance squeeze his shoulder. "Blaine, take it easy." he said in a calm voice. Blaine stared at him appalled. " But he needs to-" Lance held up a hand to quiet him down before facing Frederick, "I...I...I just want to know whats wrong with you. I've never seen you act like this, You've never been cruel before. It isn't like you to-"
"And how would you know that?"
Both Lance and Blaine flinched at Frederick's eerily calm voice.
"Wha-?"
Frederick continued on his chilly tone.
"Ever since we were children, the only time we've had any interaction with each other was through meals or anytime we had events and let's be real, those don't count. Through out it all, you've never even spared me a glance. You were always too busy with your adoring public. So how do you know how I "normally" am?"
Hurt flashed in Lance's eyes as he broke his gaze with Frederick.
Blaine, however, stepped up to him.
"This is ridiculous, Frederick. Of course, we know what kind of person you are! We're your brothers!"
"And that means what to you? Because obviously to you that means I'm a "spoiled brat." as you said, that needs to be constantly criticized and belittled."
"And am I wrong? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do recall a certain someone insulting his fiance behind her back. Oh, that was real mature, Frederick. (mocking voice) "Oh, I don't want to marry Gwen! She's sooooo ugly. I don't care if the fate of the kingdom rests on this wedding, I'm too selfish and shallow to even want to get to know her. (normal voice) That's the kind of brother I know you are. "
Frederick stayed silent as his heart clenched up in shame as his elder brother kept talking; A voice from deep inside muffled Blaine's voice. He's right, you know. Stupid selfish brat. That girl you want to get to know, so badly. You called her ugly and she heard you. She's probably just hanging out with you out of pity probably because she can see that your rotten piece of shit inside that pus filled sack you call skin. She hates your guts, now. If it was her choice she wouldn't even consider hanging out with human garbage like you.
His gazed over to Gwen. She was standing over by one of the columns, talking to someone.
A boy.
His eyes widened as Gwen smiled at the dark haired gentleman, who obviously couldn't take his eyes off of her. His stomach burned in disgust as his inner voice spoke again. See that? Look how happy she is. You don't deserve the smile she's giving that guy. You deserve this. You deserve to be alone, you loser. You stupid piece of dumb assery… With every word, Frederick felt like little pieces of himself were breaking off and drifting away. When the muffled speech from Blaine stopped, he responded in a voice devoid of…. anything.
"...Your right."
Blaine looked at Frederick in surprise. His voice sounded different this time. Not cold just... void.
"It actually makes me feel relived knowing this. Knowing that our life was given to us only out of convenience and the need for a lineage to continue. We're little toys for father to play with, to mold in his image, to continue a legacy that he fears will die with him when the time comes. You guys are his most prized toys, you show the most promise in continuing his royal legacy. So you deserve his love and approval. Me? I'm just the broken toy, the defective one of the pack. The one that's tossed to the side."
Blaine replied, deeply unsettled. "Frederick….. You're not making any sense…. Why-
"But that's ok. I'm fine with this. This how things are. Father probably wanted to try to fix me so he can have all three of us functioning perfectly together like a clock. So he probably told you guys, to focus more of your attention on me. So you could fix me and our family could be perfect again. How things used to be before the broken toy came into your lives and then as a plus, father will give you more praise for fixing the broken one."
He looked into the eyes of both his brothers. Both pairs of orbs were looked stunned and concerned.
He gave a small smile to both of them; His dull eyes gave the two older boys goosebumps.
"Don't worry. I won't cause anymore trouble for you. I'll be a good and proper prince. You can tell Dad you fixed me after a nice man to man talk."
He turned around and walked away; That's when all hell broke loose.
Frederick didn't get more then five steps before he felt someone grab him from behind in and pin his arms to his side in a giant bear hug. " Huh...what-" he sputtered as Blaine appeared in front of him, looking frazzled and panicked. "Lance! What the hell are you doing. You're making a scene."
Lance's voice boomed in his ear as he replied, "I didn't know what else to do! This is scaring me, Blaine! What do we do?!"
"I don't know! I don't kn-"
"HEY! LET ME GO! YOU'RE HURTING ME! LET GO!" Frederick cried as a new sensation of discomfort became acquainted with his flesh. His skin felt…..wrong. It was moving and twisting about loosely in his body like grotesque mass of worms in wet soil. He felt parts of it go numb as he struggled to get out of Lance's hold; It started in his hands and then his feet. Strangely, enough he could still moves his hands and feet, but it felt like they were covered in something loose, damp, and warm. It seemed to stretch like rubber when he flexed his fingers and toes.
Blaine looked out to the sea of party goers, who by this time, were all staring at this strange exchange.
The middle prince seemed to be bear hugging the life out of the green clad prince, while the latter was struggling, yelling and even trying to bite and scratching his way out; Which left Blaine, who started pushing the two across the ballroom to the nearest side room. He looked out to the guests and gave them his best "every thing is fine" smile. Which turned into a panicked look when he turned to hiss at Lance, "Take him to his room and lock him in their until we call the palace doctor! And for gods sake make him stop screaming!; You two are making a scene!"
"I can't! And what do mean call the doctor? What's he going to do!?" Lance asked.
"He'll give him something to calm him down, we might even have to send him to St. Lam's if this gets worse."
Lance turned pale and Frederick went quiet for a moment, not believing what he was hearing. "The crazy house!? Oh, no. We can't-" Frederick opened his mouth to scream again, but it was muffled by Blaine's hand clamping over his mouth.
"Frederick is sick, Lance; Something is wrong with him! You heard what he was saying, he's not well!" As Blaine and Lance argued in whispers, Frederick thrashed around more violently and bit Blaine's hand in the process. He had to get out of here; He had to get away. His skin continued to grow numb as he tried to escape Lance's grasp. Suddenly, he feels something come loose; A splitting sensation spreads through the middle of his chest. He screams out in agony, but keeps moving when he feels Lance's grip slip. He slides out of his brother's loose arms and lands to the floor, and then scrambles away a good distance in a half crawl from the duo. He stands up and turns to give them a piece of his mind.
To see their mouths twisted into O's and their eyes bulging and teeming with fear.
The entire ballroom filled with gasps and screams of horror.
Guests backed away from the three brothers in fright. Blaine backed away with them, the color drained from his face as he tried to suppress a gag. Lance stood motionless, his features stilled into an aghast expression.
Wha-What's going on? Why is everyone freaking out.
He looked around at the crowd of horrified faces. He approached a group of people to his left. They shrieked and backed away in terror, some fell to the ground, but still crawled back.
What's with everyone?
"Hey what's-" he started as reached out his…hand. His jaw dropped at the sight of red sinewy muscles instead of his familiar pale skin covering his arm. His breath quickened as he looked down at himself to find not a shred of skin left on his body.
Just glistening red pulsating muscle, sickly pale tendons, and bone.
My skin….. Where's my skin.
He turned to his brothers. Blaine was standing deep in the crowd; His face was a pale shade of green and his hand was covering his mouth, desperately trying to keep the contents of his stomach from coming loose. Lance still stood frozen in place; An odd looking whitish leather material rested in the crooks of his arms.
On closer inspection, he saw it was his skin.
Instinctively, Frederick quickly crossed over to Lance to grab it. This movement seemed to snap everyone in the room out of the their shocked reverie; Along with one word.
"MONSTER!"
(Whew, That ends chapter 5! This had to be the hardest chapter to write since I've never really written argumentative dialogues, so I hope this was good as a first try. I really wanted to write a fic on the dynamic on the Plaid Princes and their family life. Mainly because I see so much hate for Frederick in the fandom of CPC, even in the later chapters. While I'm not going to condone or validate Frederick's behavior towards Gwen in the earlier chapters; What he did was rude, shallow, and just plain mean, I do want to show how his family and personal life has made him the person he is, now. You can skip this part if you want because I'm just going to get into it.
Side note: I used some of the Frederick hate comments for Blaine's rant and Frederick's inner monologue, cause I thought it would be meta as hell.
First contributor, Frederick's upbringing. I remember reading a comment about Frederick's family being supportive but he wants to be ungrateful because he's not getting enough attention so he's acting out.
This isn't really true. The Plaid Family is far from a supportive and healthy unit. In earlier chapters after the first visit to the Pastel Kingdom, we see the king verbally berating Frederick with insults to his looks, competence, and in one part just flat out admits that Blaine is his most preferred child. This is type of unhealthy phrase that, unfortunately some parents say carelessly, creates animosity between siblings, which explains Frederick's jealousy towards his younger brothers. This shows that the dad is kind of a jerk to his kids. His dad also flat out rejects Frederick's plans in a way that is neither constructive or helpful. Its just plain mean; Monkey see monkey do, if any one was wondering where Frederick got his mean streak. To add, his brothers Lance and Blaine also seem to be more involved in their social lives outside the family; They also seem to have a more in depth relationship with each other then with Frederick. Which is probably due to Frederick being isolated from them due to his weak immune system. So his feelings of anger towards his brothers finally noticing him is justified in the route I'm taking the story.
Sorry for the long explanation, but I wanted to back up my story with some in story elements to make it seem more likely. An alternate route if you may. In fact, I found the comments that spoke against Frederick to be very helpful in writing this chapter. I really needed to make Blaine's argument with him more real. But don't worry too much, I'm planning some wonderful reconciliation between Frederick and his brothers, So stay tuned!
