Vivian’s eyes felt puffy and crusty. He didn’t want to open them, but he thought he heard a door open and two whispering voices. Vivian knew that he had to start waking back up soon and try to remember what happened.

“I brought a cold moist paper towel for his eyes. I’m sure it will help and feel nice when he wakes up.” The first voice seemed to be the who just came into the room.

“Thanks.” The second voice was right next to his ear and was like honey to Vivian’s ears.

“Are you sure you don’t want to lie him down on a makeshift bed made out of the beanbags? You haven’t moved in two hours and the actual open house portion is almost over.” The first voice questioned the second as Vivian felt himself be shifted slightly.

Vivian felt a movement come from his left as a cold sheet was placed over his eyes before he was shifted back to his original position. The paper towel really was cooling on his face, especially with the slight pressure due to his face leaning against something. He was glad the first voice was so thoughtful.

“No. I’m not letting him go.” The second voice seemed like he thought that he was Vivian’s guard dog or something. Vivian felt something cling to him tighter.

The first voice sighed. “Seriously Princey… You are way too protective of him…”

Princey? Charming is holding me? What happened? How did this come about? Vivian tried hard to remember what happened, but all he could remember was finding out about Theodore then blacking out. Wait... Theodore… As Vivian remembered what had been just dumped on him, his body unconsciously stiffened up.

“Snow? Are you awake?” Philip’s breath blew into Vivian’s ear as he turned his attention to Vivian and spoke in a gentle manner.

This reminded Vivian that he was apparently in Philip’s arms, and made Vivian blush deep red. He was glad his face was mostly covered by a wet towel. Not knowing what to say in this situation, Vivian just nodded his head slightly. The movement felt slightly restricted, making Vivian realize then that his head was actually mostly buried into Philip’s chest and that was why the paper towel hadn’t fallen off.

The first voice that Vivian heard spoke up. “Do you remember what happened?”

Vivian shook his head. “I only remember finding out Theodore used to live here.” Vivian muttered into Philip’s chest. “I guess I probably had a breakdown or something.” He hoped he was wrong. He prayed his hardest that he hadn’t shown Philip something that was so mortifying about himself.

Philip confirmed his worries though. “I was so scared Snow.” Philip’s voice seemed to crack slightly. “As soon as I dragged you out of the classroom you became unresponsive. You had grown so pale and were shaking.” Philip tighten his grip around Vivian’s waist. “I immediately brought you into the storage room and texted Azzy since he has more experience with this kind of thing. We weren’t sure if you wanted Theo to know so Azzy texted him with my phone to say that you were hanging out with me and he could go around by himself since he has your class list and it’s his alma mater anyways. Did I do good Snow?” Vivian couldn’t see Philip’s face since he still had the moist towel cooling his eyes, but he could just tell that Philip was giving him puppy dog eyes.

He could do nothing but nod at Philip’s worried question. He had kept Vivian away from prying eyes, made sure not to worry Theodore, and had even stayed with Vivian throughout the whole ordeal. What more could he have done?

“So how long are you going to cling to each other?” Azazel asked, his voice very amused.

Vivian could feel himself blushing again as he realized that even though he was awake now, he was still cuddling his face into Philip and also that he had been clinging to Philip’s shirt even tighter than Philip was clinging to him. He quickly pushed himself away from Philip, making the towel slip off of his face. The blond hair, green eyed prince was staring at him intensely. Vivian almost wished he had stayed buried in the Prince’s chest instead of ending up having a staring contest with him. How could it get more embarrassing than this?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Philip was mesmerized by his Princess’ surprised pale violet eyes that were staring right into his. Vivian’s naturally paler skin was slowly becoming a bright red color. Vivian had pushed himself away from Philip’s chest when Azzy had made a point about how they were clinging together. Yet Philip still didn’t want to let go of his precious treasure just yet, and linked his fingers together at the base of Vivian’s back, secretly supporting him from falling backwards from the force that he had pushed away.

“It’s fine, isn't it?” Philip pouted. “Snow just woke up and is probably still tired… There is nothing wrong with me supporting him until he feels better.”

“Ummm… I should be fine now…” Vivian started to fidget slightly.

Philip could only think about how Vivian was extremely adorable when he was embarrassed. He knew not to push the adorable boy too much though and slowly unlocked his fingers to let his Princess escape. For now at least.

Vivian took the opportunity to slide off of Philip’s lap backwards and escape to a second beanbag chair. Philip noticed exactly when Vivian had realized that Azzy was wearing the dress that his sister was supposed to be wearing. Philip was glad that Vivian decided not to say anything, but noticed a rare look briefly pass across Vivian’s face. He knew not to question his Princess though, especially when he was so fragile right now.

“So what’s the plan now?” Azazel asked as he stood up from where he was crouching, only a foot or two away from the other cuddling teenagers. “There is still a few minutes of the open house and then the masquerade dance will be starting in the gym. It’s up to you Vivian... Do you want to hang around or go home?”

Vivian thought for a few minutes. Philip could only look on with puppy dog eyes, hoping that Vivian wouldn’t give up on the dance. They sat in silence as they all pondered on what would be the best course for Vivian to choose. Finally Vivian decided.

“Charm did a lot of work to pick out an outfit for me, and I don’t want to waste all of his efforts. Plus, since it’s a masquerade, no one will notice me puffy eyes or even realize who I am.” Vivian looked towards Philip with eyes that shot another arrow through his heart.

“And both of us will be right next to you for the whole dance.” Azazel made sure Vivian knew he wouldn’t be alone. “I was supposed to switch with Loralai for the dance, but I’m sure my sister won’t mind if I don’t. She’s very understanding when it comes to this kind of thing. She probably will even insist that you come over afterwards.”

Philip’s eyes suddenly brightened up even more than usual. “That’s a great idea! Let’s have a slumber party at your place!” Philip thought for a moment. “We could even invite the rest of the Eccentrics and make it like a welcome party for Snow. Will you be okay with that Viv?” He turned to Vivian and took his hands and looked deep into his Princess’ beautiful violet eyes. He didn’t even ask if it would be alright on Azazel’s side since Philip knew that it would already be alright, just based on the housing situation.

“I-I guess that would be fine. As long as the others are open to the idea…” Vivian looked slightly frazzled by Philip’s sudden idea.

“It’s official then, there will be an after party at Azazel and Loralai’s home after the dance. Let’s go Snow! There is a masquerade dance awaiting us and then some slumber party prep.” Philip quickly pulled Vivian up with the hands that he had yet to let go of. “Azzy, you go make the arrangements with the other Eccentrics while I prep Vivian and I for the dance. This is going to be the best Halloween night ever!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Azazel just shook his head as Philip dragged Vivian off to get ready. Princey truly is like a puppy when it comes to Vivian. He sighed then opened his phone and started to dial his cousin as he slowly walked out of the storage room.

“Hey couz? Turns out we might have an Eccentrics slumber party at your place…” He waited to hear her confirmation, then replied to all of her responses. “Yeah… Okay… I know… Got it.” Once Azazel finished the initial planning with her she asked the reason behind the sudden event. “Princey wants to welcome the newest member to the club.” Some more nodding. “I actually agree, it appears that he might have found his Princess. He is completely doting on him.” He sighed at her next response. “No, Loralai isn’t happy about the new arrangements. I have to rely on you to talk to her. It shouldn’t be too hard though, she secretly has a soft spot for the little ball of anxiety. He reminds both of us of our past.” Azazel could tell that his cousin was worried about him and his sister when he said that, but it was the truth.

After only a little bit more talking, neither of them being the type to talk much after the major topics were covered, Azazel hung up the call and started contacting the other members via a group text app.

They all quickly realized which twin was using the shared cell based on the short and to the point texts. They all even quickly guessed who the actual plot master was.

QueenofHearts: “Thx for the invite Az, see you there, make sure to tell Princey that I totes support his idea this time around”

TheWolf: “Wherever my Darling goes I shall follow!”

PiedPiper: “I can bring some music. I have some scores that I wanted to confer with Vivian about.”

Momotaro: “I have some halloween movies we can watch as well if anyone is interested”

DoctorKnowall: “I like your choices Simon, can’t wait till tonight”

Rumplestiltskin: “Of course you do DID lol XD You like to try anything you can get your hands on, no matter how weird”

ForestFae: “Quiet Edwyn, or you aren’t allowed to join everyone.”

Rumplestiltskin: “(0-0)”

Momotaro: “SENPAI! Didn’t realize you would be on, you’re never on… Thx for sticking up for us!”

ForestFae: “He was being annoying…”

FireDragon: “I’m here as well ^w^ Gonna be the chaperone at your little party tonight ;p”

Hansel+Gretel: “...”

FireDragon: “What? Just cause I graduated doesn’t mean I can't join in the fun anymore…”

TheWolf: “You just want to show off your wife. I can do that too!”

QueenofHearts: “...Except we aren’t married like them…”

TheWolf: “We will be some day!”

Azazel couldn’t watch the chat any longer, he knew it was about to break out in a bragging contest between the two couples. With the two doting boys just embarrassing their women until they both snap. He turned off the screen and put his phone away, knowing that Philip would see the messages later when he wasn’t obsessing over his own crush. Azazel was surprised that Vivian had yet actually joined the group chat, but figured that tonight would be when he would officially be brought into the “Eccentrics and Alumni Chat”.

Not many of the Alumni Eccentrics were in the group chat yet since it was only started a few years prior and they were still searching for and inviting the other generations. Mr. Lawson was a huge help in reaching out since his generation was the first time that the nickname was used and he had kept an eye on the club ever since. He himself refused to join though since he wasn’t the one part of the club, his closest friends were. Azazel then remembered that Vivian had mentioned that he had just found out this was the hometown of Theodore. He wondered if he could help connect more of the alumni with the current generation.

Azazel shrugged to himself, it wasn’t his job or business to figure that out. He was only here because of Loralai’s influence.