#prince fluff

I Swooned for the Prince of the Sea!

The stars were bright in the sky tonight.

A castle stood high and sturdy on a cliffside, the full moon shining above it as if to cast a spotlight. Trees and houses surrounded the bottom of the steep hill, most of the residents tucked in their beds as the night rolled by, others doing late night things or just enjoying the sky itself. But right at the edge, where the trail of cliffs ended and the sand began, was the pride and joy of Dreamland.

The shore.

The water swaying with its hints of sparkle and stars within it, shifting over and away from the sand as it followed a constant yet relaxed motion. Most people would look at it like it has always been there, which is true, but there was something else that made the ocean below feel more special.

Mermaids, sea creatures, a whole other world was down there. One that the Dreamlandians were always awed by and interested in since even before the castle came to be. It was a world they came to respect and take care of themselves as both worlds eventually became one and the same.

Merfolk were a bit skittish, having been in the reef below the cliffside since before the castle and tended to grow weary of what lied ahead of their sea sanctuary. Especially because of what happened before the Dreamlandian king changed his ways.

While some were still pleased to visit the shore of Dreamland and its people, it was rare to see them anymore. Though they were of course always welcomed.

As of this point of the night, a certain someone with pink hair stood at their balcony, admiring the stars as they sparkled in the sky, Mr. Shine watching the stars in turn with enjoyment in the sky. They were enjoying the sky too, wearing their usual heart ridden pajamas while standing in a comfortable pair of fluffy pink slippers with only small animal ears on it. Their hands held a small cookie tin.

<~+~>

Kirby watched again as the moon was high, down at the bottom of the cliffs edge where the rocks and sea met, was always a merman. The same one.

They had a beautiful blue tail and with a mix of pearl white and golden yellow fins adorning their tail and soft brown arms, also maybe their ears? They couldn’t tell from here. But in place of the hard to see ears would be lovely, curly blue hair, probably the most noticeable feature, as well as a gold crown on their head.

Those were the easiest things Kirby could see unfortunately, but they always feel more fascinated looking at them, always wondering if they could see more of them.

Kirby flushed and shook his head, telling themselves to stop being a creep, and focused on the stranger once more.

‘Maybe I could say hi this time..! … if they don’t run.’ 

At the conclusion, Kirby took a deep breath, took off the slippers to not ruin them, and jumped onto the railing.

They then proceeded to use their foreign magic to walk down the wall.

<~+~>

Kirby always looked at that night fondly. While he obviously had a bumpy start, he managed to acquaint and become close very quickly to what turned out to be a merman known as Fluff! Kirby honestly adored the name, and was surprised to find he was the prince of all merpeople for Kirby to stumbled upon to.

Mer prince or not, they still became great friends and wanted to see each other more often, so they met every night they could. Fluff would wait by the rocks, and Kirby would use their magic to meet him soon after. 

The night’s went on like this, conversations ranging from ordinary to interesting.

“Hey Fluffy, would you like to meet my other friends sometime? I’m sure they’d be glad to meet you!”

Fluff hesitated. “I.. I’d like more time, if that’s alright with you. I’d rather take things slow.”

Kirby felt a little bit sad that he couldn’t get them to meet yet, but nodded with a smile. “Of course! Take your time!”

Kirby really wanted their friends to meet and get along with him, but they respected his space and would always continue to.

They glanced at rocks again, gasping as they finally saw the subject of the night. Beautiful blue tail and all.

Kirby didn’t waste any time as they kicked away the slippers to not ruin them, and began the decent down.

“Fluffy!!” They shouted happily, the merman in question smiling back in equal joy as Kirby landed on the rocks, squatting down to hug the merman as he held the tin firmly.

“Kirby!!” He hugged back tightly, tail curling abit as he smiled at the other brightly, causing the other to blush at the beautiful smile.

They couldn’t help but feel full seeing him smile while with all the features they can now see up close. They warm, glimmering brown eyes, the big eyebrows that matched his pretty blue hair, antennae on his head that mirrored their own, his sleeveless, dark blue crop top that crawled up his neck. A necklace hung from his neck, lined with various shells and pearl with a big shell at the center. Two earrings sat on his ear, one pearl each on ear as well as one dangling blue shell earring on each ear.

He had subtle sparkles on his cheek, his lips a light, glimmering glow of blue that added something gentle. Fluff’s crown having pearls looped around them, seaweed also wrapped around his waist. Even his webbed fingers never contrasted against anything, what he thought was fins on his ears also ends up being jewelry! They didn’t know mermen could be so pretty!!

(Must be really pretty if the description is this long-)

Fluff gazed back at him the entire time, face subtly flushed as they’ve been staring at each other for a few minutes. They both eventually looked away, faces warm as Kirby quickly spoke to get out of his flushed state. “I uh- brought cookies! You said you were wondering what they tasted like after I mentioned them.”

The sea prince hummed at the memory, smiling at Kirby. “I did, especially when you described them so highly, it’s very sweet that you brought some.”

Kirby ended up blushing again, smiling sweetly as he opened the tin, showing heart shaped butter cookies. “Of course! Have one!”

Kirby watched as the merman took a cookie, biting into it carefully before immediately beaming. “Goodness, the praise you give certainly doesn’t disappoint their reputation!” He immediately ate the rest, Kirby beaming at the satisfaction since they themselves made the cookies.

“I’m really glad you like them! Aren’t they delicious?” They said cheerfully, placing the tin between them and having a cookie too, Fluff having another.

Kirby loved being with Fluff, it always made them so happy to be with them, anticipating every sunset with joy. They’ve never felt happy with a friend before-! No offense to anyone else of course.

The merman and the supposed astral ate the whole tin within moments, both reaching into the empty cookie tin to grab another at the same time, the conclusion ended up with them holding hands, both blushing and laughing loudly.

“I didn’t expect them to disappear so fast!”

“Really? I did!”

They laughed some more as Kirby shut the tin, shifting to sit closer to the merman. Fluff smiled and held him closer in a side hug, Kirby nuzzling into his arms. Normal good friend stuff!

Kirby enjoyed every bit of the moment, he could feel the other’s tail curl closer, the two bridging closer to a snuggle. They didn’t know though that Fluff thought Kirby felt particularly fluffy with his face in the sweet pink land walker’s hair. Maybe they did though. 

 Unfortunately the moment ended eventually, “Kirby… I enjoy staying with you till my heart bursts with seahorses, but I regret to tell you that I may be unavailable for a while, the next week to be certain…” The prince spoke hesitantly, not wanting to upset his dear friend.

Kirby frowned at the thought. No Fluff for a week? That sounded like torture! Kirby hugged him tighter. “I mean.. I won’t stop you, but do you have too? I like being with you..”

Fluff smiled as he hugged tighter in turn, one pressed against the other comfortably. “I know my sweet star, but I’m afraid the sea calls to me…” 

Kirby’s cheeks turned pink at the nickname, but sighed with a smile. “You better comeback after or I’ll go crazy!”

The prince laughed, kissing his forehead affectionately. “Hehe, I promise!”

Fluff and Kirby took their time with each other until Fluff couldn’t stay anymore. After prying a very clingy astral he held his hand tightly, before letting go and diving into the sea.

His head poked out from the water as he smiled at Kirby. “See you in a week Kirby.”

Kirby smiled back, blue eyes deep in brown ones until Fluff eventually waded off into the sea, disappearing out of sea, his beautiful tail being the last thing they saw.

“Well, might as well head back up.”

<~+~>

Three days and nights had already gone by and Kirby was honestly suffering.

Kirby was in his twin sized bed full of pillows, plushies and blankets, lost in thought and only thinking about one thing, or rather person, Fluff.

How could anyone miss someone this long? Perhaps they were too used to his presence and were now feeling the emptiness without him? Kirby sighs, hugging his pillow. He felt hopeless.

Knock knock. 

Hm? They sat up. “Come in!”

The door opened to reveal a close friend named Bandana! Donning his blue bandana on his head with another on his neck, the usual mask like though in his face that went up to his nose, Kirby could never tell if it was actually attached to them or not. They were wearing their usual guard attire even though he was practically an advisor to the reformed king. In which said king liked to tease them both on being brothers, Kirby honestly didn’t mind the thought of having Bandana as a brother.

Bandana sees them huddled on the bed and made their way across the short room. Despite how huge the castle was, the rooms were small yet comfortable so it could accommodate all the waddle dees that lived there. A guest room, which Kirby claimed as practically a second home compared to how lived in it was, had the balcony with it so any special guests would feel a little more welcomed.

“I haven’t seen you hug a pillow so tight ever since Ribbon gave you a whirlwind with that kiss,” Bandana commented, watching in amusement as Kirby stuck their tongue at him at the mention of the old memory, sitting on the other end of the bed. “Something on your mind?”

Kirby paused. Should they tell him? They know Fluff would seem hesitant at this idea, and they respected that! … but they also wanted guidance, and they knew Bandana was trustworthy! While he’d probably be surprised, they knew he’d be willing to lend an ear to them, not telling anyone if Kirby didn’t want him to, and they always appreciated that.

After a deep breath accompanied by a decision, they spoke. “I made a new friend sometime ago, and I’ve known them for a while. I feel ecstatic when I’m with them, overjoyed! But then they said they’d be gone for a week, it’s already been three days, and now I feel like I’ll never make it!!” Kirby got louder near the end as they threw their hands in the air in frustration, causing Bandana to chuckle again.

“Hmm… I see. But don’t you usual feel this way when a friend isn’t with you for a while? Albite this is occurring rather more sooner than the last few time…” Bandana hummed quietly at the end.

“This is different!” Kirby spoke quickly. “I feel like if I’m not within three apples of reach I’ll never feel satisfied again!!” They huffed, back hitting the bed as Bandana thought of something. 

“…could you describe them to me?”

“Oh, uhm…” Kirby remembered their earlier thoughts, but remained firm. Answers shall be found! “His name is Fluff, he’s a kind man with soft brown skin and beautiful blue hair with warm brown eyes, he’s sweet, attentive, and one of the most affectionate people I’ve come to kno— why are you looking at me like that?”

Bandana had the most coy smile-like expression on their face, now cross legged as they observed Kirby with another amused expression that this time only made the pink haired warrior confused.

“Kirby, this is a rather surprising and interesting hypothesis, but what if.. you don’t see Fluff as a friend?”

Kirby obviously was confused. “What do you mean??? Of course I do!”

“I mean- as in like, something more.” Bandana pointed at Kirby’s chest. “Something deeper if you catch my drift.”

Kirby only looked more confused, taking a moment to think as he mentally searched for what Bandana was referring to. What’s further than friendship?

Kirby froze.

Bandana grinned.

Kirby immediately threw a pillow at his face.

After a long awaited laugh after that silence, Kirby immediately went into a flushed state. “D-DO I actually like him?!”

Their close friend hummed at the words. “Well, I’m not an expert on this stuff, but the way you seem to describe him seems to suggest it.” That only made Kirby more red at the possibly. It sounded nice. “By the way Kirby, how come I’ve seen this guy? Not that I’m bothered, but I just don’t remember a description like his.”

Kirby sat up, staying with their earlier decision, putting a lot of trust in the waddle dee. “…You never see him because he’s not exactly.. from land. He’s a merman. Fluff wasn’t ready to meet you guys yet so we met at night.”

Bandana had to blink for a few seconds. Merpeople weren’t exactly uncommon, they visit the docks from time to time, but they were still rather allusive. Bandana pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course you were living a secret love story with a merman in the background, why not.” That somehow made Kirby giggle.

As Kirby giggled at Bandana’s reaction to their secret friend (crush?), they found a new thought that lay in their mind, turning to the waddle dee again. “Bandee… this sounds a little silly, but do you think Fluff would actually like me in the way I like him…? I mean, we act similarly to each other, but what if that’s friendship to him?”

Bandana smiled more kindly. “You’re not wrong, there’s a possibility that he’s just as affectionate as you, but that’s kind of a good thing! You right now, seem to love him to bits, while he could be under the sea thinking the same things!”

Kirby smiled with a big blush, glad Bandana was there to cheer them up and try to think on the more positive side. They glanced away. “Well, he did kiss my forehead sweetly so maybe…”

“WAIT WAIT wait- he kissed your forehead? And you didn’t think about that in any sort of way?”

“I-I thought it was genuine affection!! Like with everyone else—!”

“Kirby, how many people sweetly kiss your forehead??”

“I mean, there’s Meta Knight, Dedede-“

“Fatherly figures aside, how many people of your own age kiss your forehead sweetly in present day time?”

“…..nobody.”

“Exactly.”

“Guess I’m a doofus.”

“A big one.”

“I thought you were supposed to comfort me!”

“Comfort comes with its pros and cons!”

Kirby started to pout again, Bandana side hugging him. “I’m sure he’ll love you back Kirby, he’s seems care for you a lot.”

Kirby leaned into him. “Thanks Bandee…”

They pondered as they stayed in each other’s embrace, the conversation echoing as the revelation burned in their mind. Being in love with Prince Fluff… they liked that thought. Kirby wouldn’t lie, the thought of being even closer to the sweet prince of the reef below was a nice one. It made them miss their now confirmed crush more.

“Now I miss him more though…”

“We’ll figure something out, King Dedede’s planning a birthday ball for his birthday at the end of the week, you’ll have plenty of distractions by then.”

They sat in comfortable silence again till Bandana snickered, causing Kirby to point it out. “Why you giggling?”

“Heheh- Tiff is going to insane when she finds this out.”

<~+~>

With the help of Bandana, Kirby was successfully able to distract themselves throughout the week. Going to the apple orchard to help the cooks with ingredients, helping find Kirby a lovely cream pink dress that Kirby thought would look great in sea themed accessories, which they also found, and then helped Bandana find something nice to wear as well. A lovely cerulean blue suit and matching skirt with a skort beneath it.

They also got the chance to help with the decorating, helping put up red and blue banners, placing flower pots in mirroring positions, and of course deciding what cake would go amazing with the party. Which ended up being all of them since hello, Kirby.

Over time though through half of the week, Bandana wasn’t seen anymore. Or as in, he was supposedly busy and was practically gone every second of the day. Kirby only ever saw him at night for crying out loud!

After a few days of this past, the eve of the party, Kirby, ever so curious, decided to follow Bandana this time around. They knew privacy was a first, But they just had to see what Bandana was up too! What could they be doing for so long that he comes back late and head to toe with the scent of the sea?

‘Fluff smells like the sea…’

‘. . .’

‘AGGHH stop it!’

Kirby once again was in their usual sweater and shorts, their slippers included this time around, half floating and half tip toeing across the hall behind the secretive waddle dee. 

Kirby was off to a good start! Bandana had no idea they had been tailing him for a good bunch of minutes! Hopefully they could find out what’s really going on and—

“Huh?”

Wait, where did he go???

<~+~>

   The night of the party had begun, and Kirby didn’t even get to see Bandana at all during the day! He only left a note saying he was helping the king, but they never saw them with said royalty. 

The ballroom was already full of all different kinds of Dreamlandians, wearing all sorts of pretty things to King Dedede’s birthday ball, talking amongst themselves as a certain group of mice seemed rather interested too. King Dedede sat on his throne for abit as he yawned, already bored and just waiting for the main course to be served, while Meta Knight stood guard by his side with four other waddle dees, though the king insisted they should try and enjoy the party themselves. The astral was wearing the lovely white, pale pink dress that had picked out with Bandana, a similarly colored pair of gloves and choker, wearing white frilly socks and pink Maryjane’s that matched the flower that was pinned to the waist of the dress, as well as the one in their hair. The pin keeping their puffy hair held back a bit.

Kirby was beginning to get worried…

“Something wrong Kirby?”

Kirby turned their body slightly to see who spoke, which would have been Tiff and Tuff. Specifically Tuff.

“I’m good! I’ve just been wondering where Bandee went, have you seen him?”

Tiff hummed as she raised a brow. “Bandana? He’s been over there.” She pointed the direction he supposedly was, Kirby following the direction of her hand.

‘There he was!’

“Thanks guys you’re awesome!!” Kirby ran up to give them both a hug, which they gladly returned. They soon let go as Kirby went on their renewed quest.

“BANDEE!!!”

The waddle dee was very quickly jumped by the excited astral.

“KIRBY-“

As Bandana was being tackled by positivity incarnate, Kirby could see he was wearing the outfit he had picked out. Light, sky blue knee length skirt, with a deeper dark blue jacket, white shirt, orange handkerchief around his neck, brown stockings and ankle high boots. Oh, but of course there was also his signature blue bandana. 

“N-Nice to see you t-too, Kirby!”

“Where have you been??!” Kirby immediately started after squeezing the other to death. “I was getting worried!”

They watched Bandana frown, giving an apologetic smile waddle dee style. “Sorry Kirbs… you see, I was helping someone.”

Kirby tilted their head. “You were? Can I ask who??”

Bandana paused to ponder. “You should see them soon.”

That only made Kirby more confused. They’ll see them soon? Does that imply they know them??

The lights suddenly dimmed, setting the mood as music began to play. Couples started getting together, siblings, friends, parents, lovers, lots of people! Dedede sighed it relief as this meant he could actually stand, complaining to Meta Knight on something he couldn’t hear.

Kirby watched the couples, their mind wandering. ‘I wonder what it would be like to dance with Fluff…? I probably wouldn’t be able to dance with him like this, but it still sounds like something fun we could do!’

They slowly watched as their bandana wearing friend wandered off to the food table, looking to hide in the punch bowl. Kirby didn’t blame them, maybe they’ll go there too to snag some of the food, which never stayed as ‘some.’

They suddenly hear footsteps behind them.

“…Excuse me.”

They glanced back, confused and curious till their jaw dropped.

“May I have this dance?”

Fluff??

Kirby couldn’t believe their own eyes. It was Prince Fluff. In the flesh, they couldn’t believe mistaken!! Curly blue hair, warm brown eyes, soft dark skin, and a blue suit he was most definitely rocking, and some pearls here and there to mirror his mer origins. As well as of course his signature eyebrows and shiny crown, with a particularly lovely shell necklace around his neck. And two legs.

Kirby continued to stand in shock before charging into his hold, Fluff laughing as he hugged back. 

“I’ve missed you so much..”

“Me too!!” Kirby replied ecstatically. “But-how?? When?? HOW?? HERE??? LEGS???”

The somehow merman turned human prince laughed again, gently hushing his close friend as he explained. “My apologies for making you wait so long, dear Kirby. I’ve.. been busy yes. But I’ve also wanted to use the free time I had for you to find something rather interesting.” He pointed to the shell on his chest. “This very shell is how I’m Eve here in the first place. I wanted to find it to.. hopefully be with you more closely. It allows me to walk on land when I wear it.”

Kirby stared at the shell for a moment as they admired it, not fully registering that the two were practically chest to chest as they did. Once the astral did, they blushed and stepped back, only a tiny step though. “You… you searched for that shell… to be with me?”

The prince nodded shyly, smiling. “I did. I felt that well of course we were greatly close already, I wanted to be with you in your world, even if just for a little while.” Fluff raised his hands to hold Kirby’s cheeks, staring into their starry eyes. “And I must say, you look absolutely stunning.” That made them blush more.

Kirby brought their hands to his where they rested, feeling their heart beat like they were surfing an air ride machine. “Th-thanks… you look amazing too..!” The flustered and heartfelt astral spoke shyly, enjoying the feeling of his touch again. “Do you still want that dance..?”

The prince smiled further, letting Kirby guide him to the dance floor. “Of course.” They stood close together once more, each having a hand in their waist and shoulder as they swayed with the rhythm of the song. Kirby leaned in a bit, forehead quietly pressing against Fluff’s as they danced. Theres nothing wrong with this..! The two have done this before, albite in less intimate moments, but they’ve still don’t it before! Don’t make things weird!

They didn’t look into each other’s eyes as they swayed.

Meanwhile not too far away, Tiff, Tuff, and Bandana stood off to the side, sipping punch. “Who’s that dancing with Kirby?” Tiff asked with a raised brow.

“One of Kirby’s friends.” Bandana said with a sly undertone. “They’ve been hanging out a lot.”

“Well I’ve never met them..” She replied with a slight huff, Tuff seemingly indifferent about it as he drank his punch.

“Why do adults like dancing so much? It sounds weird to be so physically close to someone while trying not to step on their toe.”

“It was for social distinction back then,” Tiff explained. “As well as a courtship and political skeptical. Sometimes it helped display wealth, power and cultural sophistication during festivals and—“

“I’m think King Dedede just did it to keep the guests from getting bored.”

Tiff huffed at her brother cutting her off. Bandana snickered in amusement, continuing to watch the dancing “friends.” 

“. . .”

The music sounded as the couples danced, the lights warm and dim as it shined above them. As enchanting as it was for probably half of the ball, Bandana continued to see how the two awkward crushes continued to gush, blush, dance, and keep dodging each other to an infuriating level. The waddle dee sighed, if they just stopped gay panicking they could hit it off! Bandana wants his smitten sibling (he liked the sound of that) to be happy. After helping the prince practice walking on land for half a week, in which he was impressed by the progress, the bandana wearing waddle dee had gotten to know the royal merman of the sea to a good degree and had already decided they were going to be a good and healthy match! They just needed a little push… 

But of course he wanted to ask first.

Waddle dees had this ability to connect with each other psychically, it was some old thing that dated a while back when the waddle dees sort of acted like a hive mind as a sense of protection and defense, it was how they worked together so well. While it wasn’t inherently used as often in the present, the ability was never lost. They could still communicate when the time was needed, like the time when President Haltman attacked. Everything was so loud and panicky when he first attacked.

Kirby, while obviously not a waddle dee, could enter these psychic links. It was very confusing at first, but once it became registered that Kirby was more than an average kid washed up from shore, some older waddle dees helped a younger Kirby grasp how the psychic links worked. The young stranger had practically become a part of the waddle dees by then, it was also how he met them!

Focusing on the task at hand again, Bandana looked at Kirby’s direction, watching the two flushing beings of affection as he zeroed in on Kirby. His eyes flickering gold.

<~+~>

“So wait, Bandee has been helping you get to shore by helping you walk? And you used the earlier half of the week searching for some magic shell thingy so you could be with me?!” Kirby had never been so flustered in their life. Fluffy was just too sweet.

“Hehe, yah I did.” Fluff spoke with an almost equally flushed expression after gently patting Kirby’s arm since they were close to practically shouting. “Visiting you very quickly became a highlight to my day and night, you’re so sweet, kind, caring and generous, coming to see me all the way down that wall and on the rocks..” He glanced away. “I thought I’d try and visit you for a change.. and Bandana helped a lot with that, as well as providing me an appropriate outfit.”

They continued to sway as the pink fluff ball cooed. “Awweee Fluffy~! You’re too sweet!” Then idly commented. “I thought the suit looked familiar!”

The prince giggled in turn. “Hehehe!” 

Kirby was having the time of their life. Getting to dance with your crush after not seeing them in forever? It felt perfect!! Fluff was just the sweetest guy the world. Could they even tell the merman how they felt? That would be extra amazing!

‘That of course if I even can…’

They wanted to tell him so badly, especially with how Bandana described Fluff’s affection towards them. It felt and sounded like a lot of hope, but the starry eyed hero wanted to believe in the love they both seemed to clearly feel!

‘Guess it all depends if he wants it or not then…’

Kirby dimmed a bit at the thought of rejection. Fluff is an amazing person, and they wanted to be with him and his kind, loving smiles. But if the merman didn’t want him, heck, saw the affection as platonic, it would sadden the swooning astral a great deal. While they’d hope they could still be close friends after, and would support Fluff no matter what, they really wanted this to happen.

“Kirby, are you alright?” Fluff inquired gently.

“Hm? Oh I’m alright! Just a little tired with the boring dancing!”

“Mmm… well it is a rather relaxing dance. Perhaps we could go elsewhere..?”

“No no! I’m good Fluffy!” Kirby replied quickly, blushing brightly. They didn’t want to leave Fluff’s arms, not yet.

Fluff continued to frown for a few seconds, before sighing and returning the smile. “Alright sweetheart.”

Kirby swore they swooned again.

Kirby?

Hm? Who-? Oh, wait.

I’m not interrupting anything am I?

‘Nope! You’re good!’

Phew, good. I just wanted to ask how your quote on quote, ‘friend date’ was going?

‘It’s going great! I can’t thank you enough Bandee!’

Hehe..

‘But I uh… I want to tell him how I feel. But all the people dancing around us kinda…’

Makes you nervous?

‘Mhm…’

Well, perhaps I could help you then? I could cause a distraction in the ballroom, enough for you to express your feelings!

‘Oh Bandee that sounds great!! But- wait, how though? I’m still surrounded by couples Bandana…’

Hm… let me think. In the mean time you enjoy your ‘friend date’ while I think of a plausible distraction for you.

‘Thanks again Bandee.. you’re awesome!’

Haha, you’re welcome Kirby.

“Kirby?”

“Huh?”

“Sorry, you just seemed to be zoning out, and your eyes started glowing I think..?” Fluff spoke with concern, though never admitted that the glow enchanted them.

Kirby smiled. “Everything’s ok Fluffy! That’s a normal thing, so no need to worry.”

The prince cocked up an eyebrow as he smiled, kissing their forehead. “If you say so pinky.” 

<~+~>

Bandana glanced around. Near the back of the huge, echoing room and behind an equally long and big curtain with the kings peace sign on it, sat the controls and fuse box for the ballroom lights. If they could just get a good excuse to go over there and disable it for just a bit! Then that could give Kirby enough time to maybe confess or get closer to Fluff.

Tiff meanwhile was tensing up with that ‘I must protect’ look on her face. “Did they just kiss Kirby!?”

“Tiff wait-! W-what if it’s not what it looks like? It’s not like it was on the lips!” Tuff quickly interjected, not wanting to cause a scene nor get embarrassed.

“That’s still too close for my liking! Even if they’re already friends with Kirby like Bandana said I’m still this close to intervening!”

“Sigh….”

Both Bandana and Tuff sighed, glad no metaphorical shots were fired as now they had the job of keeping Tiff held back, despite Bandana’s reassurance.

Bandana decided to use his abilities again to communicate with the waddle dee who happened to be guard at the edge of the curtain, eyes gold once more.

Hey uhm…

‘?? Bandana is everything good?’

The waddle dee in question was a demi girl named Bow. A waddle dee wearing a suit with a bow tied around her neck and a white bow in their bouncy bob haircut. He hoped that she would listen to him since only most of everyone had a soft spot for Kirby. 

Listen, can I ask a favor?

‘Shoot.’

Could you uh, kill the lights? Just for a bit?

‘Are you crazy??? I’d be in so much trouble if they noticed it was me!’

If they know it’s you I’ll take the blame!

‘I’ll still get in trouble!’

Look, come on Bow please??

‘Alright alright, I’ll figure something out!’

Thank you!!

“Bandana stop ignoring me and talk with the people who are actually next to you!” He was pulled out of the mental conversation by Tiff who looked like she wanted many answers. Bandana sighed tiredly.

<~+~>

Fluff continued to admired Kirby’s eye. Call him cheesy, but he always thought they looked like a beautiful sea of stars, the star shaped pupil reinforcing it. Then the stars at the bottom corner of their eyes, the freckles, the soft pale, milk tea colored skin, or maybe chocolate milk? Either way it made him a little hungry, and only made Kirby look more beautiful.

The sea held its own beauties, the reef, the sand, the creatures that live within, and the very sea itself. But adding Kirby to it just amplified it in his eyes, maybe even in rivals it. Sometimes it made him wonder if Kirby would still be just as beautiful if they were from the sea. Either way he just wanted to hold his loving friend close to him, feel their presence and joy their loving affection and smiles.

Kirby didn’t complain when Fluff held him closer and tighter, doing the same in turn as they left no space between, completely comfortable and safe in each other’s embrace.

Kirby blushed brightly. ‘I think I can see Bandee’s point now…’

The two remained leaned into one another, a few other couples doing the same. Kirby cracked their eyes open as they glanced at what was currently in their peripheral vision, the throne, catching the gaze of a certain knight and king who staring at the two intently. Escargoon and Sir Ebrum meanwhile spoke nervously beside them, though of course they couldn’t hear the two older men, the answer felt a little obvious.

‘Guess I can’t necessarily blame them, they’ve never met Fluffy.’

Kirby paused.

‘Wait, if Fluffy was all shy every time I brought up the idea of meeting my friends, how did he get the courage to sneak into Dedede’s birthday ball where there’s so many more people here than my friends???-‘

Kirby didn’t get to finish the thought as everything suddenly went dark, gasps and a few crying children echoing through the hall. King Dedede quickly addressed it with a booming voice.

“Don’ WORRY everyone!! It’s probableh just a malfunction or fuse in the lights, we’ll get it fixed in ah’ jiffy!”

The astral mentally gasped, Bandee’s plan!! ‘Ohh thank you Bandee!’ Now they just had to do their part.

“Hey um… Fluffy..?” They looked back at their crush only to blush. Just how Kirby was dimly glowing in the dark with their antennae and the two parallel stars on their faces, Fluff was the same with cross shaped antennae as well as two on his own face. Kirby sometimes idly smiled when they thought they were stars, it made them feel closer to Fluff even though they probably weren’t the only ones with star-like features. 

The merman also seemed to pause, nodded. “… yes sweetheart?”

Ignoring the quickly rising heartbeat, Kirby’s voice got quieter. “… can I ask you something.”

Fluff noticed the shift and nodded again, his hold on them being more gentle as they contemplated. A bit more at ease since Kirby didn’t seem to be afraid of the dark and was worried. “Of course..”

“…” Kirby took in his words, ears twitching as they heard people muttering and shifting in the background, probably speaking about the mysterious power outage.

They took a deep breath. “Fluffy I love you.” The astrals ears burned. “A lot.”

The silence between them, besides the subtle noise around them, was very loud. 

Neither spoke. Neither responded. Neither moved. Only locked together by eyes and the loud thoughts behind them. 

Fluff carefully lifted a hand, holding their cheek in the softest hold. “I…Kirby…” 

Kirby’s heart skipped a beat, were they right? Was it all just platonic affection? Were they getting rejected??

“Kirby… I love you too..” The prince pressed his head against theirs, a smile forming as love and fondness filled his eyes. “A lot.”

They both stilled.

Kirby giggled with giddy and glee.

Fluff gasped as he was quickly squeezed abruptly.

“Oh THANK the stars!!”

“Hahaha!”

They pulled back just a moment to lean in again, their lips connecting with tender affection that made their hearts soar, just as the lights turned back on.

They didn’t care at this point, clinging onto each other as the world around them became an afterthought. A few who quietly noticed awing and chuckling at their affection.

+ THUMP +

It was then people also turned to look as Dedede was now buried in a pile of  waddle dees.

“Whahts the meaning of this?!”

“W-We uh, wanted to wish you a happy birthday, great king!”

A certain waddle dee in a bandana sighed and almost collapsed in relief, very thankful for the intervene and assistance. 

Meanwhile Meta Knight unfortunately was not hindered by the darkness in the slightest and saw everything. Already marching towards them and ready to ask some serious, and possibly aggressive questions. His charge was interrupted though by Tuff ‘accidentally’ crashing into him with his punch, Tiff right behind him. Getting juice all over his armor.

“Uh oh!”

“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry Sir Meta Knight!” Tiff immediately exclaimed after Tuff, curtsying quickly as she reached for with the napkins she was already holding. “Gosh I’m so sorry we didn’t see you sir! Oh I feel so bad, please forgive me and my brother! Let me help you—!”

“Yah sorry sir—!”

Meta Knight had to push them back a bit to get a word in. “It’s fine Tiff, Tuff. You didn’t mean to and thus it was an accident.” He spoke with a quick, reassuring calmness.

Before the siblings could respond he had already re-begun his stride, stopping once he realized the two were gone. In reality though Bandana had pulled out of sight behind a big pillar. “Geez you two are a piece of work!”

“Hehe, sorry…” Kirby apologized as Fluff nodded, though Kirby was still rather giddy from the kiss, both holding hands.

Bandana sighed. “No one wants Prince Fluff to miss cake I’m sure, so I’ll go clear things up with the King and Sir Meta Knight. You two pretend you’re part of the wall!”

Fluff chuckled in amusement, keeping it quiet. “Of course, Bandana.”

The two watched as the waddle dee left to find the knight first so there wasn’t any immediate carnage. Kirby looked up at Fluff to kiss his cheek. “Love you.”

Fluff smiled and returned the kiss with his own. “Love you too, my sweet star.”

[THE END]

💗🩵💗🩵💗🩵💗🩵💗🩵💗🩵💗🩵💗🩵 Meta Knight: I just want to talk to him

Bandana: WITH YOUR SWORD???

King Dedede: you coulda just told us!!

Kirby: Hehehe

Prince Fluff: I think I’m gonna die

Hope you enjoyed it!