Sips Co. Fairytale - Chapter 7

Sips Co. Fairytale
Chapter Seven - Xephos and the Seven Dwarves
Part 7
By: MPNFF/CAM

Xephos’ night consisted of alcohol, crazy topics, and chatting with multiples of the same person. The usual. And, frankly, that one night was one of the best nights he had since the Queen entered the family. They had all stayed up until 2 in the morning talking about everything and anything. Well, everybody had stayed up until Sleepydew, who had somehow sneaked over to Xephos’ couch to snuggle up against his shoulder. But, Xephos didn’t mind. At that time he was too sucked into the backstory of Honeydew. He had also figured out Grumpydew’s weakness- beer. He turned into a big softy after the first few he had sucked back. He was, in fact, the highlight of the night. He told the story of Honeydew, telling Xephos all about his old home which was in fact Stoneholm, and when he was kicked out, and from then on to survival and when he found the perfect place for a new start. Xephos let the new information stick to his brain, fascinated entirely with the dwarf. What sights he must have seen in Stoneholm! Of course, he felt bad, considering the Queen was once the Queen there. Even Xephos that night had shared his story, but it was nothing compared to the dwarf’s epic tale. He had shared the same emotions with the correct dwarves and maybe even shed a few tears. By the time the night had ended, Xephos felt closer to the dwarves, and was hopeful they felt the same.

The next morning, Xephos stirred and yawned silently. Moving to push back the covers and sit up, he was pushed back down against the pillow, making him gasp. A ginger-haired arm was around his chest, making him crane his neck to look at whose it was.

A dwarf, sleeping soundly, much quieter than Sleepydew. A light pink contrasted from his cheeks, and immediately Xephos knew who it was.

Bashfuldew, Blushydew, or whatever he wanted to be called, had his arm around Xephos. Xephos’ cheeks were just as pink as his, and he searched his mind frantically to try and remember what had happened last night.

Xephos yawned. It had been a tiring day, and as much as he had wanted to continue speaking with the dwarves, he felt like he could easily pass out right then and there. The others, noticing this, started a contagious line of yawns, sending people to give a pat on the shoulder to Xephos before heading upstairs to bed. Honeydew even had to take Sleepydew up the stairs with him because he was the only one passed out. Then, the only one who seemed to stay was Bashfuldew. Nervously, he stared at his lap and twiddled his thumbs.

“Aren’t you going to bed?” Xephos had asked.

“Well, I am but... where are you going to sleep?”

This sent Xephos to thinking as he looked around, his glance continuously returning to the couch the two sat upon. He scratched his head, not wanting to meet the dwarf’s eyes. That would just be too awkward.

“Um, I suppose I could sleep... here?” He formed it as a question, not really sure. Bashfuldew shook his head.

“I can’t let you do that, buddy! You’ll strain your poor neck!” In a second, Bashfuldew was stood up in front of Xephos with his hand out. Xephos looked at it for a moment, then up to the dwarf’s eyes. His heart skipped a beat when he looked into the dark abyss of Bashfuldew’s eyes, he swore.

It was like he was under the dwarf’s trance. He barely remembered making the choice of taking the dwarf’s hand so he could lead him upstairs; dodging the bottles that basically covered the floor. Could he have been under the influence of alcohol, or was it something else?

All seven of the dwarf’s beds were small, but seeing the beds made Xephos want to crawl into the one closest to him, containing dwarf or not. But somehow he had made it on the other side of Bashfuldew’s bed, stripping off his jacket and shoes. He had crawled into bed, the dwarf right next to him without his helm or shoes. Not thinking, Xephos put his arms around the dwarf’s small body, to which he responded in moving closer to Xephos.

“G’night, Xeph.” Bashfuldew muttered, instantly falling into a deep slumber seconds after, leaving the Prince to follow pursuit.

Despite the position he was now in, Xephos found himself smiling at the memory.

Xeph. Huh... I like that nickname.He quickly shook his head, wanting to get back on the task at hand. He needed to get up before the rest of them did, otherwise he’d be in a sticky predicament with the dwarves. Gingerly, he grabbed the dwarf’s arm, putting it behind him. It slid down his back to the dwarf’s side, sending a chill down Xephos’ back. He sat up quickly, getting hit by both a head rush and a wave of nausea. He clutched his head and groaned softly, regretting those drinks he had the other night. He moved his feet around, thankfully finding his shoes. He slipped into them, as well as throwing on his leather jacket. Quickly and smoothly as possible, he snuck out of the room and down the creaky stairs that led to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, which was thankfully still clean, Xephos opened up the fridge, fishing around for something that could only be defined as breakfast. Finding some decent eggs and bacon, Xephos went to work.

X

After successfully filling seven dwarves- plus his- stomachs, Xephos was sat outside, leaning against the side of the house, watching as the seven dwarves prepared for their usual routine in the mine. They had suggested Xephos stay at the house, saying the royal miners had occasionally made trips to their mine to fight over it. Wanting to protest, but knowing they had a good point, Xephos only bit his lip and nodded. Everybody surely knew that he was still out there somewhere.

The sound of arguing caught his ears, making Xephos turn to see Bashfuldew and Honeydew a ways away from him. Bashfuldew looked extremely regretful and sad as well as blushy, while Honeydew... was also blushing? Not as much as him, but still... He was either red in the face out of anger or something else, because he was sure giving a pounding to Bashfuldew.

Guilt crossed over Xephos as he watched Bashfuldew look to the ground, kicking at a sticking out stone. Could this have to do with what had happened last night? Xephos could only make out every few words.

“You can’t do that! … for a reason! To stay a.... Queen! … just mess around with us!” Honeydew’s loud whispering soon turned to mere shouting, causing his eyes to flash to Xephos, to make sure the lad wasn’t listening. Seeing him bluntly staring at the two gave him the feeling he may have been talking just a tad too loud. Blushing as the two locked eyes, Honeydew turned back to Bashfuldew, poking him in the chest, making him back up.

“We’ll talk about this later.” He growled, walking off.

Now, it was Bashfuldew’s turn to look to the Prince. Xephos blinked, feeling extremely guilty then. Bashfuldew gave him a sorrowful smile before following Honeydew’s movements.

X

Grumpydew yawned as he stepped out into the sun, which stung his eyes. He shielded them with his forearm, cursing himself for not watching how much he had drunk last night. To his right, Xephos was on his knees, looking squarely at him. Doing the usual, Grumpydew frowned. The sunlight was hitting Xephos’ face just right to outline his facial features. He would never admit to actually liking the Prince... would he? Xephos had secretly made all the dwarfs-as one- think long and hard about their sexuality. They had to admit, Xephos was strikingly handsome, and each one of them could see there was something about him, even from just a glance! Everytime Grumpydew thought about it, it made him sick in the stomach, which did not mix with his hangover sickness. He groaned in both frustration and slight pain.

Xephos sighed. “What? Do you need a hug or something? Or do you still not like me?”

Grumpydew shook his head, bringing back the nausea, to which he ignored. “No... I don’t not like you anymore... and, yeah, I could use a hug. I feel like total shit.” He complained, emphasizing the last two words. He was sure Xephos didn’t care, anyways.

But Xephos did care, and a small laugh came out of him. “Aren’t we all feeling like shit?” He held out his arms, not backing out now.

Grumpydew looked at him for a moment before embracing him tightly. He felt Xephos arms go around him, and decided that maybe Xephos wasn’t so bad at all.

Soon, all the dwarves received hugs on their way out, making them feel much more better about the day. Nothing could go wrong... could it?

Last but not least, Bashfuldew. He walked out slowly, turning Xephos’ smile into a slight frown. It was a few awkward moments of twiddling thumbs and staring at the ground before Xephos spoke.

“I’m sorry about last night...” He said silently.

“I-it wasn’t your fault, mate... all my idea. I’m glad he didn’t chew it out on you.” Bashfuldew only sighed.

“Now, do you want a hug too, friend?” Once again, the Prince held out his arms, to which Bashfuldew threw himself into, burying his head into Xephos’ shoulder, muttering a thanks.

As he pulled away, Bashfuldew became serious. “Now, if the Queen comes around here, don’t fall for anything. Got it?”

Xephos smiled. “Wouldn’t even think twice!”

His smile reflected onto Bashfuldew, and with that smile shared, Bashfuldew was off with the other six.

Standing and brushing off his clothes, Xephos looked around, wondering what there was to do now...