Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First
"Do you want to go on vacation with us, Mr. Cedric?"
"Hmm? No, I don't believe so princess," he answered simply. A sing song tone to his voice as he continued about his work.
She tilted her head at him. "We're not going to Merroway Cove this time."
He froze, actually turning to look at her this time, as if interested "You're not?"
"No," she shook her head. Noting how his new response seemed to confirm what she'd suspected about him having some sort of issue with the mermaids dwelling; and reviewing over their past together she had a suspicion why that might be. But decided it best not to bring it up... "We already went there earlier this year for spring break."
"Oh. Well then, where are you going?"
She gave a little shrug, "A bit of everywhere, I guess. Mom and Dad wanted us to take a family cruise around the Ever Realm as a sort of last hurrah before we all start school," her expression shifting to a mischievous smirk, "And it looks like our first stop will be the Mystic Isles."
He stared at her, mouth agape. "The Mystic isles?!"
Her grinned widened, knowing she'd got him hook, line, and sinker. "Uh huh! Though it was a bit of an impromptu decision. We'll visit there for a few days before heading out on the previously planned trip."
"Really?" his face brightening even more. "Well, I've always wanted to go to the Mystic Isles. Ever since I was boy..."
"So, you'll come along then?" she prodded.
"Of course!"
A couple days later the royal family and Cedric set off on their first vacation destination. Baileywick stayed behind to tend to the castle's affairs. Though he planned to join them once they set out on their cruise.
The trip up to the Isles upon the flying unicorns went without much of a hitch. Though Cedric had a bit of trouble at first, not used to riding, he managed to get the hang of it.
The first couple days were spent in an excited frenzy. Everyone eager to see as many of the beautiful isles as they could; and visit with or meet some of their new friends. Cedric was particularly interested in the places where magical ingredients and items could be procured. He spent a great deal of time on the isle of Magical Plants; and struck up a nice conversation with Azurine on the properties of different enchanted crystals. Even obtaining a few from her.
By the last day though, everyone had slowed down a bit; and Sofia was able to show him some more of the picturesque places.
It was lunch time, and the family had decided to enjoy it upon the Isle of Mermaids.
'Figures, there'd be mermaids involved somehow,' Cedric scoffed to himself. Though considering they weren't Merroway Cove natives, he supposed he didn't have much to worry about. Plus it was rather nice place. Taking in the beautiful scenery and pleasant weather. He laid back upon his blanket, feeling the wind brush by. Closing his eyes, he allowed the sounds of distant waves and splashing to gently lull him until...
"Mr. Cedric?"
He opened his eyes, saw the young princess standing above him in her swimsuit, and shot up.
"Merlin's mushrooms! How long was I asleep?"
"Not long," she assured. "I just wanted to make sure you got something to eat," Holding up a basket of sandwiches.
"Oh, thank you, Sofia" taking one and beginning to eat.
"You're welcome," sitting beside him and taking one for herself. Humming happily as she bit into it.
Cedric looked on at her amusedly, "You're awfully cheerful today," not that that wasn't the norm for her. But it seemed particularly poignant now.
"Of course! It's an amazing day, and I'm at an amazing place with my friends and family, eating tasty sandwiches with you." she beamed. Earning a grin back from him.
"But I guess what makes me the most happy is the fact that I get to experience this at all... Especially considering not too long ago, I thought I might be trapped in here forever,..." reaching up to her amulet with a slight frown.
Cedric swallowed hard as a somber mood fell upon them. Memories of that frightening moment returning to him as well.
But they were cleared once again by the sweet child as she reached out a hand to him. That bright smile returned to her face. "So, thank you again, for bringing me back Mr. Cedric"
Touched by her continued gratitude, and the heaviness lifting he answered, "Of course, Sofia; and rest assured, should you find yourself in any more magical predicaments during your career as a Protector. Your royal sorcerer will be there to help."
"Oh really?" she smiled.
"Mm hmm," he nodded confidently. "I know all kinds of magical remedies"
"What if I got caught in a magical trap?"
"A simple, releasio spell should do the trick; and I can even teach you that one if you're interested."
"Would you make healing potions for me?"
"Most definitely,"
"What if I was captured by an ogre?"
"Well, that ogre had better watch his back because Cedric the Sensa...err...Great, would be right on his way!" he declared proudly.
"Would you give me a kiss, if I fell under a sleeping curse?"
"Of course, I... What?!" now blushing wildly, his mouth hanging open.
Sofia fell into a fit of breathless giggles. The rose of her cheeks blooming ever brighter.
"Hmm...cheeky girl" he admonished. Before a wicked smirk coming to his face.
She sighed, wiping a tear from her eye. Her laughter stopped abruptly though when she noticed him leaning over her. A mischievous look gleaming in his eyes as he gently lifted her chin up.
"If you really want a kiss from me, all you had to do was ask," he teased.
A soft gasp escaped the princess. Heart fluttering excitedly, she closed her eyes and leaned forward.
Cedric had merely intended to give the girl a bit of scare. Expecting those widened blue eyes, and flushed features. Which he would then laugh off, a retribution for her previous joke on him.
What he didn't expect however, was for her to purse those pretty pink lips of hers, and lean towards him as if inviting him to claim them with his own.
He nearly jumped back at the display. Was she?!... Did she really want him too?!...
But what surprised him even more was just how enticing he found the offer. But no! He really shouldn't, she was still so young... But, then again, she was asking... Oh! Merlin's Mushrooms!
His heart pounding in his head, he leaned down. Catching those sweet lips with his, and hearing a hum of contentment from princess as his reward. A sound which almost persuaded him to deepen the kiss. But he instead pulled back. 'Not yet' he admonished to himself. A chaste kiss would have to suffice for both of them for now.
Sofia opened her eyes, and he could see the delight in them as they sparkled. Her rosy cheeks bright as she smiled giddily.
"That was my first kiss, Mr. Cedric." she giggled.
"Oh, so it was," he noted. 'And I shouldn't have taken it!' inwardly scolding himself.
He didn't have much opportunity to continue the self loathing though. Those negative thoughts and feelings washing away as the little princess snuggled up next to his side in content. The cares of them both washing away as they watched the sparkling water.
"Thanks for coming here with me," she sighed. "I had a really good time."
"Of course," he nodded.
Her smile started to fade a bit, "Will you be going back home tommorow?" a lilt of disappointment in her voice at the idea. Though she had expected given his only interest in regards to the trip had been the magical realm.
"Actually...," taking her hand in his. "I think I'll take you up on that offer, and join you and your family for that cruise."
She lit back up again, "Really?"
He smiled, and shrugged. "I think so. I mean, after rescuing a princess, I think I'm entitled to a vacation. Wouldn't you agree?"
She giggled, hugging his arm. "Definitely!"
A/N: So this was definitely a change of pace from what I normally do. For those of you familiar with my other stories, you'd know that I usually prefer having cedfia be just friends while she's this young, with the romance happening when she's older. However, the canon aged or loli cedfia is nice too, and I thought it might be nice to expand my horizons a bit for a change. Can't say for certain if I'll ever write anything like this again. But it was fun to try something different, and hopefully it was enjoyable to read.