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Chapter Text

Prince Peekablue's POV

He could hear the loud clinking of the heavy palace guard armour resounding in the alleyway beneath him. They wouldn't catch him, Farsight made sure of that. Peekablue crept away from the edge of the roof and began to gracefully leap across the rooftops back to his current home.

All of a sudden, his Farsight noticed a sombre figure dressed in a coal black skin tight suit with a matching hood and scarf covering their mouth and nose, exposing only their eyes. They were melding with the shadows, the jagged knife in their hand glinting wickedly in the hot desert sun. They'd found him. He quickened his pace and made sure to keep an eye on the figure. "I have too many enemies..." He muttered bitterly to himself.

Double Trouble's POV

They gave a long, dramatic sigh as they waited for their client. They tried to escape the scorching desert heat by cowering under a shabby tin roof of an abandoned stall. Things had been agonisingly boring since hair poof and kitten saved the universe with the power of friendship or whatever. The Crimson Waste just isn't the same with all the renovations the princesses are doing to make all the criminals 'better people'. All the gang leaders that had been chasing them down had now been converted by flower girl and her scorpion girlfriend. There wasn't anymore action, no rush of adrenaline when they were acting their way out tricky situations, the princesses had even closed their favourite nightclubs.

Business was much slower but there were still a few incorrigible criminals that were willing to hire them. For the meeting they settled on an amphibian form. They currently had slimy bogey coloured skin and were hunched over, making their already tiny form look even shorter. For their outfit, they'd settled on a ragged, moth eaten cloak. Beads of sweat were beginning to form on their forehead in the harsh sun, they could smell the stench of amphibian mucus, sweat and Crimson Waste dirt filling up their nostrils. The client better be here soon. Everything felt unbearably gross.

The rattling of metal echoed louder and louder and they ducked under the stall's table. From a chip in the rotting wood Double Trouble saw around half a dozen soldiers march by with razor sharp spears and menacing, glaring eyes. Once they were gone, they stood up again. How curious. Those weren't Bright Moon guards.

Suddenly, something blue flashed in the corner of their eye. A slender figure leaping across the rooftops. From their quick, quiet steps and hasty movements it was clear they were running from something. Finally. Something interesting.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

Double Trouble started to stalk the mysterious figure. Well, 'stalk' is a harsh word. They prefer 'pursued'. They flitted in and out of shadows and corners following them whilst remaining hidden.

At last the figure slipped into a small hotel. Double Trouble grimaced, Crimson Waste hotels were appalling and truly the least dignified places in this hellhole and that was saying something. They were full of fights and the shiftiest thugs. The only thing those things were good for was blending in with the crowd. Only truly desperate fugitives used them.

Nevertheless, Double Trouble creeped in after them into a low window. They found themselves in a desolate corridor.
"Don't move."they heard a hushed voice behind them. Double Trouble didn't even need to check, they could feel the edge of the knife being held at their throat. They'd missed danger. It made them feel alive.

Peekablue's POV

Just what he needed. More trouble.
"Why are you following m-, wait" oh it was them, "You, you're that irritating identity thief! How did you even know what I look like?"

The shapeshifter just smiled smugly. "I've stolen a lot of identities darling, maybe lower the knife and show me your face so I can answer your question." Peekablue stiffened. He couldn't risk going around revealing his identity. He had good reasons for being in hiding.
He assessed the situation. The guards were a good distance from him but the dark figure was swiftly approaching the hotel. He didn't have enough time to deal with this frivolous troublemaker. "What's wrong darling? You're being pretty quiet." Double Trouble asked casually. "You might want to hurry before the ones chasing you catch up with us."

"Shut up I'm thinking." Peekablue hissed. It seemed the shapeshifter's sole goal was to be as annoying as possible. It was giving him a headache.

"Well as you seem to be on the run, do you think you could just release me?" Double Trouble offered, with a look of pure smugness still plastered across their face. "I'll stay quiet...for a price of course."

It was a tempting offer but he had to know why they were following him and how they knew his face. He couldn't risk someone with too much information on him to roam freely. Knowing their history with the horde, they would just sell any information to the highest bidder. Peekablue groaned internally. He didn't have any other options.

Double Trouble's POV

Without being able to read their facial expressions there was no way of manipulating their way out of this. It was a minor issue. They were on the run and would be desperate for time. Even if the situation was rather inconvenient they finally had more excitement than they had felt a while. The pointed blade was still pressed to their throat but they felt it slide away. As they turned to face their mystery attacker...everything went black.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

They grunted as they sat up. Their mind felt foggy and their head was throbbing with a painful ache. They scanned their surroundings. They had woken up in a dusty, clearly ancient room. The dirty beige walls were covered in chipped paint and small cracks were littered all over the walls. A few rays of light shone through the edges of the downtrodden wooden door. There was a few ragged blankets on the floor and a worn leather satchel next to them. Double Trouble slowly got up. As they slowly woke up properly they realised that they seemed to be in some kind of hut. It stank of sweat. Disgusting. Someone could at least spray a bit of perfume in here. Then they realised. They had no idea where they were.

Peekablue's POV

He'd managed to lose both the guards and the figure. Good. Peekablue stared across the empty desert landscape. It seemed to stretch out infinitely. "Is it awake yet?"muttered Wolvot grouchily.

"Yes, they're awake."replied Peekablue.
Wolcot is his best friend. They're a horse, which says a lot about Peekablue's social life. She showed up one day and tried to eat his food and they've been inseparable ever since.

"Good." The horse violently kicked open the door and shouted "IF YOU DON'T GIVE ANSWERS I WON'T HESITATE!"
"Wolcot, NO!" He yanked them out by the tail. "Sorry, so sorry. That was...Wolcot."

Double Trouble's POV

Oh it was his identity. "I just have one question..."Double Trouble began.

"No I don't know how she's able to talk."Peekablue interrupted.

"Actually I was wondering where exactly am I? But don't get me wrong darling I don't mind getting kidnapped by handsome princes." They said with a wink.

He rolled his eyes at their flattery. Rude. "I'm the one asking questions here." He declared crossing his arms. Double Trouble mentally groaned of boredom. He was just as predictable as everyone else. At least he was hot.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

"Firstly, why were you following me?" He demanded. Of course that was his first question.

"Curiosity, the Crimson Waste is such a snooze fest at the moment." Double Trouble answered.

"That's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. What if I was a murderer or a dangerous mob leader?"

"That would turn me on if I'm being completely honest."

The Prince looked stunned, shocked. They had knocked him off His guard."I- What- You know what? I don't even want to ask." Then he took a deep breath as if mentally preparing himself for their next answers. "How do you know what I look like? You've never met me."

"I snuck into the castle to collect some items for business and saw the royal portraits. Lovely decor by the way." They answered with the same unreadable smile. It was an exhilarating memory. The guards were surprisingly compliant when offered their services.

"You? Seriously? This is who the Eye wants me to recruit?" The Prince stared at them in disbelief. The Eye? Probably another royal thing. Recruit?

Their confident facade faded for just a moment. This was going different from what they predicted. Their main method of survival was based on their ability to study others when they couldn't it was...well they should be scared but it fascinated them. The Prince was clearly more than a pretty face with a crackhead horse. "Recruit?"

"I'm on an important mission. The Eye has told me to recruit you for it." He hesitated. "I was also told to warn you that it will include...princesses."

Princesses. The princesses had uncovered Double Trouble's acts twice and their ego never recovered. "So in exchange for help with your mission I get...?" if there were princesses they'd make sure to get the best out of it.

"Its confidential but I can tell you that it could be saving lives so I'm relying on your moral compass here." He said, his tone was getting a bit more irritated. "Don't ask for money, I'm broke."

Peekablue's POV
He didn't like it but the Eye was the Eye. Peekablue knew it was impossible to infiltrate Bright Moon if you couldn't blend in. He also couldn't risk being recognised and even if he wasn't, princesses are fearsome fighters. They hadn't been chosen for no good reason.

Double Trouble gave a small chuckle, "Moral compass? Honey you're desperate."they exclaimed with a laugh they barely attempted to muffle. Peekablue flinched. Of course, they could see right through him, reading people was practically a natural instinct to them. "Well how about this?? If you don't help me everyone and everything in this dimension is doomed, and that includes you!" He snapped. Oops. He was not supposed to tell them that.

"Well that didn't take much. " They said with a knowing smirk. "Seems I don't have much of a choice at this point. Anyway it seems fun." They paused for a second. "Actually there is something you could give me in return."

Double Trouble's POV

Maybe they wouldn't get money but they could still receive something valuable as well as some fun. His glare as they took advantage of the situation was making everything even more entertaining. "You're a Prince aren't you? I'd like some kind of royal pardon to get the Alliance off my back." For a few moments the Prince looked off into the distance. His face unreadable and horrifyingly unpredictable. Even more than Catra was. This was going to be very interesting.

"Fine. Do we have a deal?" Peekablue held out his hand, clearly reluctant. Double Trouble took his hand and gently kissed it. "Deal." An adorable blush crept onto his cheeks. Oh, he blushed. They were definitely going to enjoy themselves.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"Are you two done?" Wolcot demanded as they waltzed in, "I want get moving before tomorrow."

Peekablue turned and felt a wave of gratitude crash over him. There was one person he could trust. "This is my best friend Wolcot, she'll be helping us travel."

"Your best friend is a talking horse?" Double Trouble questioned mockingly.

"You can talk. You're a bloody lizard." Wolcot retorted. Double Trouble's face dropped and they cocked an eyebrow, "I'm a shapeshifter." They shot back. "You're lucky I'm not in my true form. You'd shit your pants."
"Try me."the horse dared them towering over them with an intimidating height.

"How about we don't do that?" Peekablue interjected hastily. "I need you two to try to get along. That means both of you behave."He gave a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose, "This is going to take several years off my life." Wolcot snorted but retreated. "You're no fun." Double Trouble whinged. "Where are we going first?"
"Well first we'll need to gather supplies then we need to..."

Double Trouble's POV

They had barely noticed till they focused on him properly. He wasn't their usual type but he was good looking. The Prince rambled on whilst Double Trouble studied him. He has a sharp jawline, short wavy hair with dark blue roots and light turquoise ends. His body is slim with slender, elegant fingers. He wears royal blue leggings with lighter blue, thigh boots with a white leotard on top and a simply stunning peacock themed jacket that made even them and their impressive fashion taste jealous. His eyes are a piercing blue, the kind that either sliced through your soul or warmed your heart. His lips looked incredibly soft. It was a shame that he didn't seem like the kind to get involved with them in any other way besides this mission.

They brought their focus onto the horse. It has a good muscled, tall frame they noticed. Along with a smooth golden brown coat and emerald locks that complemented their eyes of the same enchanting shade of green. She had such an attitude, obviously to cover up their soft, vulnerable self hidden on the inside. Double Trouble understood the horse in minutes, as per usual when they meet someone new. Unlike the mysterious Prince. They brought their gaze back to him.
"Are you even listening?" Wolcot protested, snapping Double Trouble out of their train of thoughts.

Peekablue's POV

They didn't bother listening. It didn't matter. "Don't worry about it Wolcot, let's go." He told them. He collected his satchel and in one swift movement he slipped on his large black cloak and lifted his hood. The shadow of the cloak concealed his face. Remaining incognito made travelling much easier. "You can go at the back, I'll ride." Double Trouble suddenly seemed alarmed. "I have to ride...that."

"Excuse you I am a quality horse. Premium breeding motherfucker."

"Have you not...ridden a horse before?"

"Not everyone had a luxury childhood with advanced, rich people sports lessons."

"Here. I'll help you and you can just hold onto to me. We won't get anywhere if you can't even get on Wolcot." Double Trouble hesitated but gave a small, forced nod. "Stand here and I'll help you up." They stood to where he pointed and he held out a hand to step up on. As he hoisted them up, Peekablue reached to place a hand on their back and miscalculated. In a sudden moment of panic, his hand snapped back."I- I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

The shapeshifter just smirked as always."If you're interested darling just say so." Peekablue quickly scrambled onto Wolcot turning his back to them so he could hide his purple cheeks.
Double Trouble's POV
The way he thought they didn't notice his blush was adorable.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

They'd been running around collecting supplies and resources all day. "Are we going to rest now? I'm tireeeed." They wailed as they dramatically feigned exhaustion by leaning into Peekablue's back. "You're tired? I'm literally the one who has to carry you two around all the time" Wolcot chimed in. The pair of them bickered like some pre pubescent spoiled brats again as if they hadn't been acting like toddlers the whole day.

Since when was he a babysitter. He fumed in silence with a withering look on his face. "There's a cave nearby, we'll be there soon but if you don't stop acting like children I'm going to scream." He grumbled as scarily as possible. They needed to know not to rub him the wrong way. Fortunately, they understood. The rest of the journey unfolded in a blissful silence.

Soon enough, they arrived at the cave. "I'm sleeping outside." Announced Wolcot. "I have a wild soul, I cannot be contained by your capitalist cages."

"Wolcot please it's just a cave." Peekablue pleaded in a feeble attempt to persuade them.

She trotted off, holding her head high. Talking horses were the most difficult creatures he'd ever encountered.

"Looks like it's just us darling." Double Trouble said with a twinkle in their eyes. Peekablue avoided their mischievous gaze. Stuck in a cave with one of the least trustworthy people on Etheria. This was fine.

"If you snore I will kick you." He warned. "Bring the supplies I'm starting a fire."

A few moments later they were settled around flickering flames. They danced around deterring some of the darkness surrounding them.

"How about we play a game?" They offered, the question was innocent but their smile was far from it. He eyed them warily. They could not be trusted. At all. Not under any circumstances could he let is guard down. Although so far they'd seemed loyal enough.

"Sure." He gave in. Their eyes lit up with glee.
"Okay truth or dare?"
"Seriously? How old are you?"
"Just play the game! It's fun."
"Fine, truth."
"Coward." They teased light heartedly. "Hmm...who are you running from?"

The strong sense of distrust flared up. "That's not something I'm going to talk about, especially not with the likes of you." He answered.

"Oh come on, what about me seems untrustworthy?"

"Let's see, betrayed Catra, spied on the Princesses, stole my identity... I can go on. All. Night." Peekablue shot a dirty look in their direction to enforce the point.

They just gave a small laugh. Double Trouble was unfazed, only amused by the Prince's obvious distrust. "I see your point. If you can't answer that question then could you explain your Farsight. I'm curious."
"Sure, I can answer that."

Double Trouble's POV

"Imagine all dimensions, realities etc. All of time and existence goes in a big circle. In the middle of all of that there's a huge eye that sees and knows all. At the very beginning of existence before time and any kind of life, when the Eye was first born it placed a special race of its own personal seers amongst the other creatures emerging into existence. This race is known as the Lapis, which is why it's my last name by the way. The Eye gifted the seers with Farsight that reaches to edges of the dimension they are in. Unfortunately, only the firstborn of each generation possesses farsight. As well as we have a code that bans us from revealing certain information that could unbalance reality. We also receive Visions, glimpses of the future, from time to time to nudge us in the right direction." Peekablue explained, "Its very complicated, did you get all that?"
"Most of it." Double Trouble replied with a shrug. "Truth."

"Why are you really on this journey? You clearly don't care about a pardon or not because it probably adds more danger to your life or 'excitement' as you like to call it."

He noticed things. "I find you interesting." They stared back at him. "Interesting people are rare." Unreadable, he was completely and utterly unreadable. What they would give to catch just a glimpse inside his thoughts.

Peekablue's POV

He couldn't tell if it was charming lies to gain his trust or a genuine answer. Either way, he didn't like the way they looked at him.

"I'm going to get some sleep. Goodnight darling!" They chirped as if nothing had happened.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"RISE AND SHINE BITCHES!" Wolcot shouted as they stormed in. Peekablue made some unintelligible grunts and muttered grumpy retorts in a raspy morning voice.

"Not much of a morning person are you, your highness?" He suddenly bolted up. "How long have you been awake?"

"A while, why?" They had been awake before him. Anything could have happened. Did they watch him sleep? Did they look through his things? The trouble maker could have done anything and he was sleeping. His first morning thoughts were plagued with worry. What a lovely start to the day. One breakfast later they settled in circle around the remaining ashes of last night's fireplace.

Double Trouble's POV

Peekablue may have threatened them with a knife (twice) but he looked like the purest angel while sleeping. The kind that makes you want to hit all the chirpy morning birds with a baseball bat to make sure they don't wake him up (Double Trouble wanted to do that anyway but that's besides the point).
"Do either of you know about the harvesting of the Moonstone?"Peekablue queried looking expectantly at the two of them.
"Is that an Etherian thing? I don't come from this planet so I don't know." They replied.

"Same here." Wolcot piped up.
"Seems we non Etherians outnumber the Etherians for once." Double Trouble exclaimed.

Wolcot lit up. "Sorry Blue I have a new bestie now."

Peekablue completely ignored both of them. "The harvesting of the Moonstone is a festival that takes place in Bright Moon every two decades. It's when the moons of Etheria align in exactly the right positions which means the Moonstone is at its peak power. The Moonstone becomes so powerful it can't contain all of it's magic so a few drops of pure Etherian magic in liquid form drip out. They are harvested and then used however the ruler of Bright Moon sees fit. But this time we're going to harvest it instead."

"I think you're forgetting about the "
"Yes, but we're going to get around that, hopefully. We just wont't get caught." Peekablue answered tensely.

"But what if we do get caught?" Wolcot asked "The Princesses did obliterate an alien overlord, we don't have much of a chance."

Peekablue shook his head firmly, "We can't get caught."

"If it's about saving all of existence or whatever don't we need to ask the saviours of Etheria for help?" What problems could a Prince possibly have with Princesses? That was the real question here. But gaining his trust required precision and above all, caution.

"Princesses have no strategy. They dive headfirst into things and this mission requires stealth and people who don't force their way through everything. On top of that they'd renounce me to family which they would consider 'helping'. And they won't be a fan of who we'll need to associate ourselves with."

Peekablue was undeniably right about one thing, the Princesses usually used brute force. Admittedly they were powerful enough for it to be effective everytime. Family issues. Well they should expect that from a Prince. Royals always had family issues, maybe if they marry their cousins all the time it wouldn't be as much of a problem.

"And who will we need to associate ourselves with?"

Peekablue's POV
"You'll know when you need to know." He said too much. They picked up on everything. ' He mentally made a note to watch what he said around them in future.. They had been analysing him. They were giving him the same look as last night.

He'd told them he was on the run from his family. But they probably already knew after sneaking around the castle. But what else could they have picked up on. From what he'd seen, Double Trouble could uncover things from the tiniest slip ups.

Double Trouble's POV
Oops. They made him wary. Nevertheless he shook out of his thoughts and continued explaining the plan.

"Double Trouble, you will use your skills to keep the Princesses running around for the whole night so I can creep up to the Moonstone and get a few drops. You'll have to keep them so distracted they'll forget about the harvesting."
"Darling, they caught me twice. They'll do it again. I'm aware of my own limits, it won't work." Double Trouble interrupted. They didn't like admitting they doubted themselves but he clearly didn't want to fail.

"I will give you extra information about the princesses and the guests. We'll keep in touch through ear pieces so I can give you a quick, accurate cover story at the last minute."

"But-"
"You've never had Farsight on your side before. It's going to work."

Peekablue's POV
"You believe in me, your highness? I'm honoured you think of me so highly." They replied with a cheeky smirk.

"What do I do? Am I the get away driver again?" Wolcot asked.

"Yep. Sorry Wolcot." Peekablue told her, he hated to disappoint them like that.

"Sorry horsie, we'll do the fun stuff. You get to wait outside." Double Trouble teased.

"I can't believe even you get a better role. This disgraceful." They protested.

"Well, it's not me who came up with the plan..."
"Oh yeaaahh." Wolcot caught on as she realised who to inflict their revenge on then whispered in their ear. "Got it." They snickered.

"What are you two up t-" They started to tickle him. He laughed until his stomac hurt.

"Well, have fun!" Wolcot said then walked off. "Hey that's not fair! They told you I was tickili-" Peekablue's complaints was broken off by giggles. Suddenly he grabbed their wrists and regained control of his laugs. "Enough."

Double Trouble's POV

He had to pinned them wrists down and was settled on top of them. "Are you enjoying yourself my Prince?" they purred. Peekablue turned deep indigo. His skin practically became purple with embarrassment. He quickly let go of their wrists "I am so so so sorry. I didn't mean to-" The usually composed Prince was stumbling over his words as he apologised profusely. Forgetting he was still sat on top of them.

"I've got the stuff, are you guys ready?" Wolcot asked then snorted as she took in Peekablue's flushed face and Double Trouble looking purely amused. "You two seem busy I'll just come back later."

"No, no it's not like that!" He started quickly as he stood up. Double Trouble just got up and kept smiling, "It's not?" They said with mock disappointment. Peekablue blushed even harder and rushed to switch the subject. "Do you want help getting onto Wolcot again?"

His blush really is the cutest thing.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

They had been riding for quite some time now. Peekablue hoped they had forgotten the...incident. Knowing them they'd use it to tease him. "Fucking lizard and their fucking smirk." He said in voice quieter than a whisper.

"Did you say something your highness?" They asked. Their tone seemed genuine, they hadn't heard, thank goodness. "Nothing."

"This is boringgggggg." Wolcot began to moan. Not again.

"I won't put up with the two of you being children again. Stop that right now."

"Oh darling." Double Trouble giggled.

"What?" He asked.

"You need to loosen up a little."

"We're on a crucial mission that comes directly from a powerful, interdimensional being and you're saying I need to 'loosen up'?"

"That's fair but still. Ever heard of fun?"

"I can have fun. I read." He said in an attempt to convince them, although he wasn't even convincing himself.

"Mhm." They retorted, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh shut up."

"I agree with them." Wolcot cut in.

"Not you too." He groaned.

"Well we still have two days till the festival. Tonight we can go visit a club near the hotel." She offered.

"Absolutely not."

"Pleeeeaaasee." Double Trouble begged.

"It means I get to run around and fix my back, which is feeling stiff after carrying you two around by the way and you learn how to have fun!" Wolcot added. "Plus it can't hurt. The area we're going to is fairly isolated, they won't be looking for either of you."

"Fine. But two conditions. One, we don't stay for long. And two" he swerved round to make eye contact with them to enforce the point. "We stick together. If someone tries to kill you for being annoying I probably won't get there fast enough."

"Aw love, you're worried about me?" They teased leaning closer to him. He turned round again quickly but not fast enough for them to avoid seeing the blush forming on his cheeks.

"No, I just don't trust you." He replied coldly, "After all you're a criminal and I need you alive for this." Their face fell. They seemed...hurt?

Double Trouble's POV

They couldn't avoid the fact that they had done some questionable things. But they couldn't help but feel a little offended.
"Fuck." He blurted out.

"Everything good blue?" Wolcot asked, worried.

"It's the League." He replied, Peekablue tensed up upon having to mention it out loud.

"The League???" Double Trouble panicked.
The League were the in the of crime on Etheria. Apparently their corruption reached outside their planet since Catra set off the portal and their connections reached around the universe. They were 9 expertly trained fighters that were known for being the deadliest fighters second to only the Princesses. Their boss is known as The Pink Demon. Double Trouble had taken her form and called themselves Flutterina, it was a risk they relished taking. There had been a 10th member but rumour has it that they were brutally murdered for trying to leave The League. They were incredibly dangerous..

"They've alerted people to keep on the look out for two travellers ordering a two bedroom room and a stable." Peekablue explained "They clearly know I'm travelling by horse with someone else but thank god Double Trouble hasn't been identified. But our biggest issue is that we now have a bounty on our heads."
"The League? What does the League want with us?" Double Trouble tried again....

"I'll just go without a stable. As for you two, I may have an idea." Wolcot said completely ignoring Double Trouble's troubled pleas.

"What idea?" Peekablue asked.

"You might not like it..." His eyes narrowed.

"Just tell me."

"If you two pose as a couple and order a double bed. It's less likely to raise suspicion since they expect two single people." Wolcot explained their plan, bracing herself for the worst.

"At this point I'm ready to do anything to avoid them so we'll go with it, are you okay with it?" He asked Double Trouble, finally acknowledging them.

"What I'd like to know is why the League wants anything to do with us????" They burst out maybe a little too loudly and panicked.

"Oh...that. Don't worry about it." Peekablue answered quickly. Avoiding the question? Well that wasn't suspicious.
"We're here now, guys!" Wolcot told them cheerily.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"Have fun lovebirds." They practically shook them off before galloping off.

"Where are they going?"

"Trust me. You don't want to know what they'll be up to." Peekablue warned.

Sleeping in a bed with Double Trouble. This was going to be AAAAH. The last time he'd slept in the same bed as someone was a few years ago and that was with his girlfriend. He really hoped he wouldn't sleep talk.

"So darling, should we get settled then I can pick out your outfit for tonight!" Double Trouble exclaimed excitedly. Were they not preoccupied by it, at all?

"Sure, let's go." He replied flatly, still consumed by the thought of sleeping so close to them. Their expression switched to their gaze of curiosity (that he definitely didn't think about). "Is everything alright your highness?"

"Yes." He responded with a squeaky voice. He couldn't lie to save his life. He brushed past them and started to lead them towards the hotel.

"Wow, you're a terrible liar. I'm shocked."

"I don't see what you find so shocking."

"The Prince who has so expertly been escaping the grips of a powerful royal family and the most dangerous gang I know of can't tell a lie. I find that intriguing." They paused "I find you intriguing."

Peekablue felt his cheeks heat up. "I- I can lie if I want to." He protested. An unreadable smile grew across the shapeshifter's face. They stopped walking for a second and Peekablue stopped and stood to face them."What is it?"

They traced a finger up his neck and lifted his chin to meet their face. "If you can really lie, then look me in the eyes and tell me you don't enjoy my company even a little bit?" His blush grew even deeper.

Challenge accepted you little shit. He stared them dead in the eyes. "I do enjoy your company actually, when you're not being annoying which happens to be most of the time." He pulled out their grasp and kept walking "We need to get to the hotel preferably before tomorrow."

Double Trouble's POV

It's like once they figured out a puzzle the final piece just didn't fit. They created an image of the kind of character they thought he was and then he would throw in something that messed that up and they had to start all over again.

After some playful teasing and Peekablue's amusing flustered responses, they had arrived at the hotel. As they walked in an ancient receptionist who looked like a living corpse asked sluggishly "How can I help you?"

"We'd like a room please." Double Trouble slung an arm round the side of Peekablue's waist pulling him closer to them. "With a double bed."

A flash of surprise crossed Peekablue's face for a second. They knew he had no choice but to play along. If anyone would lie convincingly, it was them.

"Sure. Are you two on your honeymoon?" The receptionist asked casually whilst scribbling away on a sign up sheet.

"Ah...um.......yes?" Peekablue answered in a measly attempt at a lie. The receptionist gave them a weird look. They considered letting him stumble his way through this but in the end they cut in.

"Sorry, he's very tired from...last night." Everyone loved a bit of innuendo.

"Oh, oh. In that case don't worry about bothering anyone, both rooms on either side of you are empty." The receptionist assured with a wink. "Room 450, here's your key."

"Thank you very much." Double Trouble replied. "Let's go honey."

Peekablue's POV

What the hell was that? They had covered up his slip up well, but did they have to do it...like that?

"Excuse me wasn't that little overdone?" He objected as soon as he shut the door.......

"Overdone? It was perfect , just as all my performances are. So...are you okay with sleeping the same bed? I doubt either of us fancy sleeping on that floor."

The room wasn't much bigger than a wardrobe. The floor is was chipped floorboards covered in dirt and cobwebs. The boards were chewed and scratched by all kinds of vermin. The walls were covered in chipped, dirty white paint. A small window let in some light. In the middle was a double bed with musty, beige sheets.

"Uh sure."

"Nervous darling?"Double Trouble challenged with a knowing glint in their bright yellow eyes.

"Of course not."

"Let's get ready for fun. Don't worry it's not scary."

"Very funny."

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

"Why do I need an outfit? Can't I just wear my cloak?"

Because they wanted to see him in a hot outfit. "Because cloaks are suspicious." They said pointedly. "Finish changing I want to see how you look." The Prince stepped out the bathroom.

"Well?" For once, they were speechless. They could feel their face heat up slightly. Surprisingly, blushing wasn't beneath them. They had picked out a cute ocean blue turtle neck crop top with small, black shorts and black pumps. He had done his make up even nicer. Everything about him was just so...they couldn't find the words. "You're silent, that's a bad sign."

"You look utterly gorgeous your highness. So gorgeous that I lost my words for a few moments."

"Oh." Peekablue's cheeks flushed light violet and he smiled sweetly. "Thank you." They felt their heart skip a few beats. Who knew just a smile could make the world go upside down. They swore he was using some kind of spell.

Peekablue's POV

"And you don't have to use my title. 'Your highness' is too formal, just call me Peekablue."

"Okay then my Prince."

"I'm not your- "

"Shall we get going, my Prince?" They said with a cheeky grin. The worst part is that he loved that nickname.

Time skip

The loud music pounded in his ears. The room was filled with so many different species of different sizes and styles. Punk cats, pink-obsessed wolves... All criminals of course. Flashing lights of colour consumed the room. There was a scent of booze, sweat and perfume. The atmosphere was full of excitement, danger and hormones.

He hated it immediately. "I hate it here. Can we go?" He abruptly told them.

"Well I told Wolcot I'm going to make you have fun so that's what I'll do." They said "Try, please?"

"Fine, I'm getting a drink, do whatever you want." He announced, walking off to the bar. "Don't leave without warning me and don't piss anyone dangerous off." The shapeshifter just gave a knowing grin and headed into a group of people. Ugh extroverts.

A muscled fish-man wearing a torn waistcoat and brown trousers approached him. "Hey babyboy are you-"
"If you say one more word to me I will rip off your balls." The fish-man bolted out the club faster than Peekablue lost his sanity.

The music pounded in his head and gave him a headache. All he could see and hear in this room was gossipers, drama and overall trivial things that he couldn't care less about. Farsight was a pain in the ass sometimes.

He scanned the club with his Farsight to check on Double Trouble. Of course they were making out with someone. He should've expected it so what was this ugly, prickly feeling in his stomach?

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

They probably shouldn't be looking for a hook up in the middle of some quest to save all of existence or whatever. How are they going to explain it to their Prince? Pretty sure he wouldn't take horny as a valid reason. Thinking of him they should check up on him.

They pulled back from the random girl they'd just been making out with. "I have to go check up on a friend."

"Are you coming back?"

"Probably not."

"Come and find me if you change your mind." She casually wandered back into the crowd just after pulling down her incredibly short skirt.

It wasn't hard to find Peekablue. He was the only blue one. He was also one of the most attractive and on top of that he was stumbling around, very very drunk.
"How much did you have to drink?"

"A little bit." Peekablue exploded into a fit of laughter.

"Uh huh, just a little bitl." Double Trouble put a hand on his back. "Let's go now."

"But what about my friends?"

"What friends?" He gestured to a group of very scared looking fish-men and waved manically.

"Take your friend, please." The surliest one pleaded, he looked like he'd just experienced horrors.
They did not sign up to babysit a lightweight Prince. "Well we have to go now. Say goodbye to your friends."
"Fiiiiiine. Bye bye!"

Once they got back to the room, the drunken Prince ran over to the bathroom and Double Trouble heard horrific retching sounds. "Are you okay now?" They called out.
"I'm greaaat." They walked into the bathroom and set next to him. He was kneeled over the toilet.

"It stinks of puke in here." They said. "Rinse your mouth out and then just go to bed." He rinsed his mouth.

"Do I have to? I want to stay up." He groaned.

"Yes or you will give me hell in the morning."

"Well how about I give you heaven now to make up for it." Their Prince whispered in their ear as if he was telling them a scandalous secret. Their face went bright blue, they didn't even dare to turn around and see his expression. Everything felt tense for a few seconds.

"Go to sleep." Peekablue just grunted and reluctantly collapsed on the bed. Double Trouble pulled the duvet over him and slipped in onto the other side of the bed.
Now that they were finally laying in the bed it felt very small. They could feel the warm of the body next to him. They could hear his deep, steady breaths. Even with their back to him he was hard to ignore. They tossed round to look at his face.

His face was peaceful and sweet. They fell asleep listening to the small, even breathing of the sleeping Prince.

Peekablue's POV

The harsh sunlight shined directly on his face through a crack in the grimy, burlap curtains. He was still wearing last night's clothes. He slowly opened his eyes and adjusted to the light. As he sat up a pounding ache stabbed him in the head. "Aaarrggnnnhhh." He groaned.

"Hangover?" They were awake before him. Again.

"What actually happened last night?" Their cheeks flushed light blue and smiled sheepishly all whilst avoiding his eyes.

"You got drunk, puked for a bit then went to sleep."
It wasn't the whole story but he did not want to know anything. "I don't know what happened. But you better take it to the grave."
Double Trouble gazed at him ominously and gave him a small side grin. "Wolcot is probably waiting for us."

He really hoped that meant yes.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

"Did you finally have fun?" Wolcot teased Peekablue as soon as she saw him.

"Maybe, I don't remember any of it."

"Oh he was having the time of his life. I had to get him out of there before he stripped completely."

"WHAT???!!" Peekablue's face melted into pure horror, just horror. Double Trouble heard Wolcot's muffled snickers.

"Oh yeah you were all over the place. People cheered you on and everything. You even hardcore flirted with this one guy. You were practically grinding on him at one point." They continued with a smirk.
"I WHAT??!!" He paused and then it dawned on him "Wait, you're joking?...Right?"
"Don't worry my Prince you weren't that bad" they told him with a chuckle.
"What did he actually do?" Wolcot asked.

"Yes or you will give me hell in the morning."

"Well how about I give you heaven now to make up for it."

Wolcot did not need to know about that part of the evening."He was um.." they stumbled over their words trying to improvise. "Just being childish. I found him scaring some fish-men. I felt pretty bad for them it was hilarious. Don't worry you didn't miss anything too exciting. Anyway, when are we getting to Bright Moon?"

"We won't go into the palace straight away. I have to give you a quick rundown of the guests."
They nodded and rummaged round their thoughts as Wolcot and Peekablue babbled on.

If they knew one thing about drunks is that they were always brutally honest. Did that mean he meant what he said??

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

"I doubt I need to explain the princesses to you, do I?"

"Of course not my Prince. I've got all of them figured out already."

"Good. I'm going to give you information on certain guests that will be important to sabotage the festival." Peekablue began. He began to flip through the file. "Lord Stigsa. An cheery old man. Wholesome but secretly a bit of a pervert." Ew. That would be a last resort.

"Lady Rikter. Snobbish but can be quite friendly. Then there's..."

As he continued on the list, they mentally noted the most useful personas. "Next we have...oh."
"What is it?"

"Princess Sweet Bee. Confident, encouraging and always a loyal and strong friend. She's opinionated and forward. Also she's my ex."

"Oh. I'm sorry." They said rather awkwardly.

"It's fine... Remember not to get discovered at all costs. Will you be able to distract them for long enough or do you need more details?"

Peekablue's POV

"Darling!" They gasped in an offended tone "You should know that will be plenty."

"Don't be cocky." Wolcot grumbled.

"I am not being cocky. I'm just good at what I do."

"Mhm sure. Don't overestimate yourself lizard."

"My Prince save me! I'm being bullied." He just giggled.

"I'm sure you'll be great." He told them with a smile whilst patting their shoulder.
They smiled back. That smile, his beautiful smile..
"Let's go or we're going to be late." He said. Then hopped on Wolcot. "Darling? I still need help with that."

"Oops I forgot." He hopped off and helped them on.

"Thank you my Prince," they said wrapping him into a hug from behind once they got on.
"No problem." As always his cheeks heated up, he knew he was blushing. It was a curse.

"Head into the party as Lord Stigsa, he's on the toilet. Here's a communication device." He told them passing them an earbud. "I'll prompt you if you're caught on the spot."

"Stay safe darling." They told him, fitting in the earbud, shape shifting into Lord Stigsa and hopping off the horse. "You too." He replied and they headed off.

Double Trouble's POV

As they stealthily slipped into the festival they gazed around. The princesses had really outdone themselves tonight. A beautifully carved moonstone replica carved in ice sat in the middle of a plain white table which was abundant with delicious snacks. The flowers surrounding the ballroom were bright and lively, they seemed to make everything glow. A live band (the same from Princess prom they noticed) was playing while the guests danced, laughed and chatted. There was still that unfortunate sickly sweet smell princesses had. Despite the smell, they were impressed. They had missed the world of luxury.

Kitten and hair poof were swirling round the room. Clumsily dancing but still ridiculously happy. All the Princess couples were. Fishy and hot stuff. Glitter girl and abs. The former horde leader and Crazed pigtails. Etc etc.
They wondered, did Kitten still hate them? Would they ever be able to apologise? They wouldn't obviously. They were far more professional than that but still... They quickly recollected themselves. Focus on the mission first.

As they saw Lord Stigsa walk in they turned into a generic guest behind a pillar. One that left early according to Peekablue.
"Mary!" They heard a familiar voice chirp behind them.

"Didn't you leave early?" It was Pincers with Petal holding her hand.

"Well I did but I feel better now!" Obviously optimistic and dumb "I think I had momentary snow flu."

"Don't be silly Mary! You can only get snow flu in snow and it's not temporary." It was the Snow princess with her arms crossed.

"I think it was the ice sculpture.." they said airily.
The snow princess rolled her eyes and moved along. "Did Philia not come back with you?" Petal asked.

"Philia is Mary's girlfriend. She left with Mary. Countess Philia, remember?" Their Prince's voice told them.

"My poor pumpkin couldn't stop puking. She told me 'respect the princesses and go back!' And when my pumpkin is sick I couldn't refuse so I had to go back you know? So I did and I do miss her and-"

"Oh yes we get it now!" Petal interrupted clearly not wanting to chat further. "Enjoy the party!" Then she dragged her girlfriend back to the dance floor.

"That was scarily accurate, congrats." Their Prince's voice came out the earpiece again. It was strangely comforting.
Time to start some chaos, their favourite hobby...

Peekablue's POV

The guards were too easy to avoid. The princesses really needed a better security system. He wouldn't even have needed Farsight to break in. Now he just had to wait for the liquid power to start dripping out. He placed the bottle under the moonstone and waited.

He watched Double Trouble weave through the crowd. Swapping faces. Dropping rumours. Spreading secrets. Messing with people's heads. It was like some twisted play. They were good at what they did. It felt weird to see them so...manipulative. It was as if he barely knew them.

Double Trouble's POV

"Double Trouble???" Fuck. A third time. This was just shameful.

Chapter Text

A few moments earlier...

Double Trouble's POV

The plan was going incredibly smooth. Too smooth. They had successfully spread rumours and secrets. The festival had fallen into a chaos of arguments, hidden resentment. Someone had even smashed a chair. Glitter girl's aunt was so caught up in fixing everything that she forgot about the Moonstone completely. And she was the one that knew how to collect it.
They grinned as they saw the princesses stricken faces. They had outdone themselves.

They'd slipped into Perfuma's form, she'd gone to 'clear the negative energy from her system'.

"Hey Perfuma? I thought you'd gone to get air." Kitten. They'd managed to avoid her all night.

"I just had to come back to help everyone! I hate not helping others in such distressful times." The words rolled off their tongue.

"That's lovely. Except for the fact that I saw you two seconds ago in the hallway." Oops. "Who the fuck are you?" She demanded clawing at their face. They dodged by just an inch.

"Kitten! It's me, Perfuma! That must have been a fa-."

"Double Trouble??" Fuck.

Well, might as well make it dramatic. They gave a low bow and changed to their usual form. "Yours truly Kitten."
That's when the commotion truly peaked.
All the princesses rushed to ambush them. The guests all stopped to whisper and cast them concerned looks.

"Double Trouble, you are under arrest." Glitter girl announced.

"Why did you risk coming back?" Kitten cut in. "Even you're not extra enough to do it for fun."

"First off, assuming I'm not that extra is offensive. Secondly-"

Glitter girl's aunt gasped. "THE MOONSTONE!!"

In a flash, a surly man (was that King Micah they'd heard so much about?). Trapped them in a glowing prison. Similar to the one Glitter girl had trapped them in. Fuck. "I'm sorry my Prince." They whispered softly into the earpiece.

Peekablue's POV

Fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK. He'd been so focused on the drama that he didn't notice Perfuma. The Alliance was coming.
He didn't have enough time. But he couldn't run now. The moons were nearly aligned.
They were here already.

"You're under-"
"Peekablue??" Sweet Bee.

He was not ready for this. Fuck.

"Hi?" He tried with a small wave. He knew his attempt at a light tone didn't match his face.

Not much longer.

"What do you want with the Moonstone?" Glimmer demanded in her queenly authoritative tone.

One drop.
"That's my business."
Two drops.
"Please Peekablue." Sweet Bee pleaded. "What's going on?" He hesitated for a second.
Three drops.
There was enough Moonstone.
"Don't worry about it. As I said it's my business." He swept up the bottle and fitted the cork into the bottle.
"Bye."
As he jumped off the Moonstone into the water he heard Sweet Bee's last cry of "Wait!"
He swam quickly back to Wolcot.
"Where's the lizard?"
He looked back. "We'll go back for them. Things went wrong."
Wolcot gave a firm nod and sprinted off into the woods.

Double Trouble's POV

Ugh. The Princesses could at least give them something to entertain themselves.
They groaned as they collapsed onto the sofa.
Suddenly, there was a soft rustling coming from the window.
"Hello my Prince."
He smile in relief when he saw them. Then his face fell. "Are you okay?"

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"I'm enjoying myself darling! This is exciting!" They exclaimed. He just shrugged.

"I'm not even surprised anymore." He said, then he sighed and shook his head. "The princesses will be here soon, be quiet."

"I doubt I'm getting out of here unless you're a sorcerer."

"Well, the Glimmer's magic is strong but there are ways around it. This isn't the strongest spell she could have used." He crouched down and pulled a small dagger out his sleeve. Then he scraped the blade round the edge of the circle.

It was around here somewhere. He kept moving it round the edge. Suddenly the tip slipped through. "Yes!" He exclaimed excitedly. Then he twisted the blade and sliced it up. The spell circle wall split apart like fabric.

"Let's go."

"What was that?" They looked impressed. It made him feel pretty pleased with himself.

"I used to go on holiday to Mystacor sometimes as a child. King Micah taught me a few tricks." He told them. Micah had always been very cheery and kind, in his vague memories anyway.

"INTRUDERS! ALERT THE PRINCESSES!" A voice erupted behind him. They had gotten caught and he was out of ideas.

Glimmer stormed through the doors with a large spell circle pointed at them. Despite her sparkly, girly looks she was the scariest princess. Her eyes were always flashing with a darker intent when she was engaged in battle. She had taken down armies of Horde robots with barely a scratch.

Double Trouble's POV
"Your majesty I know my sorcery and we both know that that spell circle is useless. You've done the pattern wrong."

Sparkle's eyes narrowed and they locked eyes but eventually then she gave a big sigh and lowered her spell. It faded away in a fog of glitter.

"Well then I'm sure you know this one works." A muscled, middle aged man walked in from behind her with a brighter, bolder spell pointed at them. Their Prince froze. Now they knew for sure. This was the prodigious sorcerer, King Micah.

The rest of the princesses came barging in. For a random reason they definitely had no idea about, everyone was giving them the stink eye. They braced themself for a performance

She had a small curly bob of honey golden hair. Her skin was a warm brown. She was petite and fairly short but didn't seem at all powerless. She was wearing a puffy yellow dress with a black and yellow striped skirt with matching ballet flats. Her amber eyes widemed when she saw Peekablue, then her gaze hardened when she saw them. She looked back to Peekablue. He remained frozen, avoiding all eye contact.
So this was Sweet Bee.

Their stomach moulded itself into a tight ball. They had to buy themself some time.

"We're on a bit of a tight schedule. So we're going to go if you don't mind."
Micah pulled down his spell and cast another one. Entrapping both of them in another spell prison.

"Shit." They heard him whisper under his breath.

"Peekablue? What are you doing with them?" Sweet Bee asked. She glanced at them with a brief repulsed glare. Snob. If this were the Crimson Waste...

"I can't say..." so now he's talking.

"Your family have been searching for you for years. Why are you running round with thugs?" At the mention of his family he stiffened.

"It involves the Eye. I can't tell you much but just know it's important. Just let us go on our way, don't disrupt things you don't understand."

"Yes but-" she tried again.

"Micah." He looked at the sorcerer. Micah shifted uncomfortably under the glare of his stabbing, ocean eyes.

"Glimmer, I know you won't like it but he's right."

"What?!!" The young queen swerved to face her dad. "But we just caught some of the most wanted fugitives on Etheria!"

"Farsight is complicated. If the Prince says we need to let him go, we should trust him."

"But what if he's lying?"

"I wouldn't worry about that. He's the worst liar you'll ever meet."
Double Trouble snickered. Peekablue . "Fuck you." He mouthed with a small smile.

"Fine, release them."
Micah released them from the spell and Peekablue grabbed their hand and dragged them to a rope on the balcony. They both slid down it and escaped into the gloomy abyss of the night. Everything was barely illuminated by the moonlight, not illuminated enough for the princesses to see then ride away on Wolcot.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

That had been way too close. At least Micah had some sense.
"Is everything okay my Prince?" Double Trouble's asked him. They had successfully gotten out and ridden away on Wolcot before the princesses could change their minds. He was shaken up and clearly very bothered.
"I'm fine."

"That's a lie."

"No it's not."
"You really can't lie can you?"
Peekablue sighed, the responsibility was resting on his shoulders was feeling as heavy as a pile of boulders on his back.

"No I'm NOT fine. What else do you want me to tell you?"

"Is it...Sweet Bee?"

Double Trouble's POV
Sweet Bee bothered them. She knew him. She could see things they couldn't and it was infuriating.

"It's just...it's been a while and she talked about my family. I can't stand the princesses."
Hm.

"Aren't you a Prince?"

He stopped Wolcot. He froze up the way he did back at Bright Moon. They could hear his breaths becoming shaky. "I can't stand them because their powers aren't burdens."

Peekablue's POV

Farsight shows him everything. Lively festivals with people dancing till their feet hurt, small creatures resting in the morning dew, a bird collecting sticks and creating a nest for its future babies, a father teaching his child how to ride a bike, a soldier in the middle of a battle holding his bleeding comrade in his arms and screaming out in the agony of his grief, someone preparing themself to tell children they are now orphans, a stove left on for too long and slowly burning down a home.

He sees wondrous marvels of the world and the painful truths hidden in the dark. He sees the millions that he can't help. He sees the millions that won't help. He sees the trillions that are blissfully oblivious.

Farsight is a curse. A curse that everyone insists is a blessing.

Farsight is a blessing. A blessing that he insists is a curse.

Farsight is a curse and a blessing. A curse and a blessing that everyone insists is only one of the two.

A comforting hand rested on his shoulder. They said nothing. Silent comfort felt so much nicer than someone apologising because they couldn't think of anything else. They didn't understand but they supported him.

Wolcot started trotting along again.

Timeskip
"First ones ruins?" It was the first time they'd spoken during the whole journey.
"Yeah, she's in here. She's barely alive but still very dangerous so be wary."
"Who's she?"
"The associate the princesses won't like."

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

Their Prince began to make his way through the rubble and weeds and they let him lead them through the overgrown vines and bushes. They weren't sure whether to be curious, wary or scared. After all, he had been involved with the league, who knew what kind of people he associated himself with.

They followed closely behind him as he stepped into the dark tunnel leading into goodness knows where. They couldn't see anything, the tunnel was devoid of any light. Peekablue took a torch out his satchel and turned it on.

"Are you ready?" He asked turning round to meet their eyes.

"Sure, just a little concerned that you're actually a serial killer and everything has just led up to murdering me in a whole of nothingness." Double Trouble responded masking their worries with a false bravado. He snorted slightly and stepped into the darkness.

The torch provided just enough light to make out some of their surroundings. The grubby, metal walls were full of first ones inscriptions. The lines of first ones writing seemed to stretch on forever in the infinite corners and passageways. It was like labyrinth, every corner looked the same and every path seemed to be going in circles.

The floor was even grubbier and everything was overgrown with weeds. Finally they entered a large hall. A large creature lay limp on the floor. The sheer size of just it's silhouette gave enough of a warning for Double Trouble to not want to investigate further.

Peekablue's POV

He obviously couldn't trust her but his mission was to save the universe not ensure loyalty in his allies. No wonder the princesses avoided strategy it only leads to having to associate himself with troublemakers.

Peekablue inhaled as he tried to appease his nerves and trembling hands.
"Come out the shadows I know you're there." He shouted into gloom.

"Uh darling I know you have farsight and all but this doesn't seem like the kind of place where you should randomly shout into the shadows." They gestured towards the huge silhouette.

"That's one of the First one's inventions, don't worry it's definitely dead. I know what I'm doing." He gave them a small hopefully reassuring smile. "Just relax."

Double Trouble's POV
They couldn't relax when his smile was so obviously forced. He was just as scared as them.

Peekablue's POV
A hunched figure limped out the darkness. "Who are you?" A raspy, tired voice croaked from the bundle of rags.

She'd really suffered from being away from the surface for so long. Her black hair was straggly and dry like dead rats hanging all over her face. Her scarred face was full of newer scratches over her aged, grey scars. Her mask lay on the ground in hundreds of shards.

"I'm Prince Peekablue." He announced trying desperately to calm the nervousness in his voice. "I'm sure you've heard of me."

She cackled. It was the kind of laugh from someone who has been away from society for far too long .

"I know you. The coward who abandoned his kingdom when needed the most." She said, savouring the first conversation with a another person she'd had for who knows how long. Torturing pathetic, cowering princes was so amusing to her. "Why are you here?"

"I need your help."

"Why would I help you?" He felt pretty smug as he pulled the bottle of liquid moonstone out of his satchel. He had the upper hand over her.

"You know what this is. One drop restores you to your former power. The whole bottle gives you more power than you've ever hoped for." The woman's face lit up.
"I accept."

Double Trouble's POV

They were beginning to question their Prince. He was clearly terrified and unsure. Why on earth would they need her? And she was also so terrible at toying with minds. What an amateur. They dragged him to the side.

"Are you sure this is a good idea my Prince?" They hissed as quietly as they could whilst casting a cautious side glance to their hopefully not soon-to-be colleague.

"You need to trust me. She knows more than we do about Etheria and it's magic and the Eye requested it, I can't refuse the Eye."
It didn't reassure them but he wasn't going to budge on this.

"Well? Do we have a deal?" The ragged figure asked holding out a hand.
Peekablue shook her hand. "We have a deal. Shadow Weaver."

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

If that manipulative bitch pulled her cheap 'mother figure' act they were going to lose their shit. It wasn't even original. They knew she wouldn't go for them. She'd go for him. Well she was in for a surprise. Even they wouldn't be able to pull it off and they could actually act.

They watched as she dropped a drop of the glimmering moonstone liquid into her mouth. Her whole body to rewind. Her recent cuts blended in with the rest of her old scars. Her straggly, ratty hair rose up, silky and floating. Her clothes were still ragged although she wasn't so hunched and frail anymore. Shadow Weaver grinned as she felt her power coursing through her veins once again.

"This will piss off the Princesses so much." It was the only part they liked about this.

"And then you wonder why I decided not to work with them. I told you they would like who I'm getting involved with."

Peekablue's POV
As they walked back outside Wolcot shrieked in pure terror.

"THERE'S A MONSTER BEHIND YOU! RUN I'LL HOLD IT OFF!" She screamed.
Shadow Weaver just raised an eyebrow at Peekablue. "Is this our...method of transportation?"

"I don't appreciate your tone. This is my best friend and the most trustworthy person here. I'd gladly choose them over you." Peekablue answered tensely. The sorceress quickly shut up.

"Wolcot it's fine. She's working with us."
Wolcot scowled at her but only for a brief second while her back was turned. She wouldn't dare let Shadow Weaver see them do it.

"What do I need to help you with?"

"You don't need to know yet.." He stated firmly, he would not elaborate. "Now we need to get going and find somewhere safer to stay. We're too near Bright Moon. If someone recognises you we're all ending up in jail."

He trusted her even less than he trusted Double Trouble. Two liars on one mission was not going to be fun or easy. He mentally prepared himself for what was going to be the most difficult mission of his life.
After helping the other two onto Wolcot he got on and they rode off into the forest.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

Eventually he led them to a cave built into a cliff, the entrance was obscured by long, hair like vines.

"No one leaves here without letting me know first. If you're caught then we're all screwed." He ordered once they had all gotten off.

Inside the cave it was very humid. Their clothes were sticking to their skin. The air inside the cave was much cooler than outside. It was dark but they managed to dimly light it with the torch, they couldn't do a fire because the smoke would fill up the cave and it wouldn't light on the damp, mossy ground.

Double Trouble's POV
Later that evening they were huddled round a fire. Shadow Weaver was asleep in the cave somewhere. Double Trouble and Peekablue sat outside, watching bright, lively flames dance in the biting night air.

"Don't you ever miss your home? At the palace?" Double Trouble shattered the sweet silence between them whilst they observed the inky sky littered with twinkling stars.

"It's not my home anymore." For a few moments he let them and their thoughts linger in the heavy quietness once more. "Do you miss yours?"

Home. They missed home. "My home doesn't exist anymore."

He twisted round and looked at them. They'd never really talked with anyone about it. They'd never had anyone to talk to about it. When they turned to look at him, shining ocean eyes filled with sorrow and pity stared back at them.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Sure, I might as well get it off my chest."

Peekablue slowly removed one of his satin gloves and placed it on his lap. Then, almost as if he sensed their soon-to-come wave of emotion, he reached over and took their hand in his. A reassurance. A comfort. A friend. The gesture was simple yet it managed to put them a little more at ease, gave a little more strength.

"I come from a planet full of shapeshifters. Shapeshifting had many areas it could be used in, shapeshifters always found somewhere to thrive in. The flexibility and agility, and that being able to transform your limbs gave you, was useful for dancing, fighting, sports. Quick costume changes was good for theatre. And there was another area... Shapeshifting revolves around the theme of deception. Certain shapeshifters, such as myself, excelled in psychology, studying people, reading their behaviour, their personality. When psychology was combined with shape shifting it created a larger variety of possibilities. After all, convincing someone you're someone else requires more than just physically replicating them, you need to be them. It was...amazing." They took in a deep breath. "Then Horde Prime invaded our planet. We almost won." For a moment they smiled a little at the thought but it quickly faded with what came next. "Until Horde Prime discovered that our planet's core was highly explosive. He discreetly had tunnels built to the core and installed explosives." The tears began to fall. Peekablue placed a hand on their arm. "If you want to stop-"

"I need to get it off my chest at some point. But...thank you." His hand fell but the other one, still clutching theirs, tightened slightly. He was there for them. "My best friend, Nellie, found out a few minutes before. But she didn't have enough time to warn anyone. All she could do was either save herself. Or a nearby comrade battling the drones. She shoved me into a ship and set random coordinates. I didn't realise what was happening. I saw her wave me goodbye. I didn't know why she was crying. Then I saw my everything explode to smithereens in seconds." They were still haunted by the simple memory her face. A sad smile. A small wave. Tears streaming down her face faster than rainfall, revealing the chinks in her mask of a smile. "She made me leave. That day, as I watched my planet blown to pieces, I knew I'd never see my friends or family ever again. I knew that everything...was..." their voice choked up. Their eyes welled up as they croaker out one last word. "Gone." It was not even a croak, barely a whisper.

They had screamed till their throat was sore and cried till they had nothing left. It was just their luck to land in the Crimson Waste. They had at least been given a very warm welcome. So warm in nearly burnt them. Literally. A random mob of thugs burnt down their ship.

They were alone now.

Everyone was gone.

Suddenly they felt themselves being pulled into a comforting hug. It was warm. It was nice. They didn't care about being embarrassed by their runny nose and messy, damp face as they buried themselves in their Prince's arms and cried away the pain.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

His dreams were plagued by his countless worries. Shadow Weaver was dangerous. The Princesses were looking for them. The League were getting closer and closer. The plan could go wrong in so many ways. He had feelings for Double Trouble.

Peekablue backtracked. Feelings? No, no, no. Nope. Bad. Very bad. No he didn't. Absolutely not.

He kept rummaging through his thoughts until suddenly everything moulded into a dreamy, sky blue infinite landscape. A Vision. A plain, blue door appeared in front of him.

It didn't have anything else around it apart from the infinite landscape. The door was average looking in every way, but he knew better.
He took a deep breath then twisted the shiny, silver knob and walked through the door. The first image was a flying knife. It was sleek and sharp. Cutting through the air smooth as a bird. It was flying towards... Oh. That was his first order from the Eye. A simple warning.

The next image was a flock of bees. The faint buzzing made his ears itch. The second order. The Eye certainly liked to force him into recruiting the worst people.

For the final image it was just him. But this clone of him seemed...broken. His makeup was running down his cheeks, he was crying. His eyes were glassy and had a vulnerable, sad, little soul hidden behind them. The clone went over to hug him. He didn't have time to catch the hushed whispers before everything around him crumbled to dust and brightness surrounded him. Peekablue opened his eyes. He was back in reality.

Double Trouble's POV

Their Prince was sweating and had a wild panic in his eyes.

"Nightmare?" They asked. He finally noticed them and took in his surroundings. They were still in his arms.
As if on cue his face went bright violet. Adorable. He sat up and stopped cuddling. Disappointing. They were enjoying themselves. Then he put his head in his hands and started muttering to himself.

"Good morning to you too gorgeous."

"Oh- Sorry. Good morning." He mumbled. Then he smiled sleepily. "How did you sleep?"
Ah fuck. He was too cute. His curls were ruffled, somehow he pulled off the messy, bedhead look too well.

"I slept great in your arms." They told him with a wink. He blushed again.
"Thanks for last night."

"Oh yes anytime. We don't really know each other but...I'm always here."
They just smiled at him then went through their bags for food. They had opened up to him and they knew why. They had a massive crush. It wasn't something they would deny. Falling in love with a fairytale Prince. It was almost too cliché.

"Time to head off!" They heard their Prince announce.

They wondered if he'd noticed how badly they wanted to kiss him.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

He hoped she'd gotten the carrier pigeon. Those things are unreliable. The bigger concern was if she would actually go to the meeting spot. Then he would have to introduce Shadow Weaver. And Double Trouble. That was going to go down well.

"Are we nearly there yet?" He remained silent. Ignoring them would make the 'feelings' that he did not have go away. He also ignored the voice telling him that's not how it worked, because it is how it works.
"Did I do something?"
"No."
"You're lying."
"We're nearly there and I have a headache. I'd like some silence please."
"I know some great stress relievers. I can show you sometime when we no audience." Double Trouble's whispered smoothly into his ear.
He suddenly became very hyper aware of their warm breath on the side of their face. They had gotten very close. Their lips were so incredibly close to their skin. The tip of their tongue brushing the back of his ear.
As a jerk reaction he jabbed them hard in the stomach with his elbow.

"Ooooooowwwwww."

"I-um-sorry, automatic reaction?"

"Wow. You hit hard."

"Did you just jab them?" Wolcot butted in.

"...It was an accident."

Double Trouble's POV

Was he aware of how deeply purple his face was right now? Regardless, it was adorable as always.
It may not be a good idea to mess with him but they were bored and it was fun. Besides, it wasn't as if he had any feelings for them so it wouldn't really bother him that much.
They stopped and everyone got off Wolcot.
They could hear a faint buzzing. Itchy ears. Bees?

"You have no idea how much I now owe Frosta for covering for me. What the hell do you need now? At the moment you're a wanted man." A familiar and very unwelcome voice erupted from the trees.

Sweet Bee fluttered down...followed by an army of bees. "I had a Vision that told me to ask you to help. This is less than ideal but you know...the Eye." Peekablue confessed tiredly. He was on edge.
Sweet Bee gave a heavy sigh. "Fine. If this gets me in any big trouble then you are taking the blame."
"That sounds fair."

She brushed past him and faced Double Trouble. Unlike her ex she was completely transparent. Her posture showed she was insecure and didn't trust most people here. Her attitude was clearly covering up leftover feelings (either romantic or platonic) for Peekablue and lack of confidence in herself. Although her lack of confidence didn't mean that she didn't know exactly how powerful she is.

"You're the Double Trouble?" She gave a condescending flicker up and down them. "Catra really hates you. You're a traitor and a bad friend."
So Catra had been talking about them. They weren't quite sure how they felt about that. "
"Get over your grudge and clear lack of self confidence. No need to be jealous just because I have some. Whatever happened between me and Catra is none of your business." Her anger was hilarious and so satisfying.
The bees started to buzz frantically. Oops.
"Do you have to keep pissing the wrong people off??!!" Peekablue exploded, coming in between them. "Keep away from each other while I discuss things with Shadow Weaver." He sighed, exhausted. "Please?"

Sweet Bee humphed and flew into the forest.
They couldn't be bothered with her anymore because now they just realised they had a bigger concern, their Prince was completely drained.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

She'd flown back over and was trying to be nice. It wasn't working.

"We got off on the wrong foot. I'm Sweet Bee."

If she was going to be phoney she could at least try not to look like it was killing her.
"Cut the crap."

"Oh thank the bees." Her stretched smile relaxed into the earlier frown.

"Why would you pretend? It's not even convincing." They gave a mock sound of surprise. "Is it because you care about my very hurt feelings?"

Sweet Bee gave a withering glare. If looks could kill. "He wants us to get along." They diverted their gaze to Peekablue who was deep in conversation with Shadow Weaver.
Double Trouble felt prickles of envy that they quickly swallowed down. "Aren't you two...not on good terms?"

"Look, we may be exes but we'll always be best friends." A far away smile spread across her face. "We've been friends since forever."

In that instant, their thoughts went to Nellie. They could hear her phantom laughter. Her teases after each stupid thing they did. They could feel her concerned smile when she knew something was up. And most of all they remembered her tears.

"I understand." She didn't know anything. Of course her hard glare didn't soften.
She leaned to whisper in their ear. Peekablue was so deep in conversation that he wouldn't be paying attention.
"Betray him and I will end you. He trusts you." She murmured. Her full murderous intent was very much received.

They just gave a deep chuckle. "I wouldn't dare." They told her in a much more serious tone. "I don't need threats to ensure that."

And with that Shadow Weaver and their Prince had finished talking. "I have the plan. Everyone settle down in that clearing." He held Double Trouble back whilst Shadow Weaver, Sweet Bee and Wolcot went ahead.

"What were you and Sweet Bee talking about? I wasn't paying attention."

"Just small talk."

"Are you friends then?"
They hated to crush his little bit of hope. "I doubt we ever will be. She hates my guts."
His face fell a little. Then they proceeded to the clearing. "Everyone listen up."

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"Before anything else, I will not and cannot answer questions. The Eye is vague and annoying so I know as much as you guys. This is a mission purely for collecting information. This means no one is going to play martyr. Understood?"

"Apart from Shadow Weaver, she is very much encouraged to play martyr." Sweet Bee remarked.

Wolcot and Double Trouble nodded in agreement.
"You insolent little-"
"Sweet Bee no. No one dies. Does everyone understand?"
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Good. We have to go to some place deep in the woods. With Shadow Weaver's extensive knowledge of Etheria we'll be able to get there. I can't see it, I think there's something blocking my Farsight and the Eye needs to know why. I know nothing else. Wolcot is our transport. Shadow Weaver is our guide. Sweet Bee and I are the defense in case we bump into unfriendly people. Double Trouble is our spy."

He got up. "We should get going. Sweet Bee can you just fly beside us? I doubt Wolcot will survive the extra luggage." She seemed grouchy but grumbled a "Sure."

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

They didn't like this place.
Shadow Weaver had led them into a shadowy part of the forest. The deep blue trees were thick and completely covered any outside sunlight. The only light was the sky blue fireflies. The forest was filled with the usual sounds chirpy birds and woodland creatures. The ground was damp and muddy. It smelled very humid. It was going to ruin their hair. The strange part was that something seemed...wrong. It was too dark and as they went further and further, the trees turned a darker and darker blue until they became almost black, the usual racket was dying out but there were still the same fireflies. Although on closer inspection, they were sparks?

"My Prince." They said quietly. "I don't like this" As they touched his shoulder they noticed he was trembling. "My Prince..?"

"Yes?" He replied in a small voice. His eyes were wide with fear. He was holding his knives tightly. Another indication of his terror.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Liar

"Darling." They warned. They knew something was up.

"My Farsight...it doesn't work here. I might as well be blind. I don't know what's going to happen. I-" and as they were about to pull him into a hug to let him know it was going to be okay. A shining blade sliced through the air.

They winced as it shot towards their face. Their movements weren't fast enough to dodge it. But there was no impact. As they saw the blade had stopped just millimetres from their face. Peekablue had caught it. "Thank goodness for the Eye." He muttered before yelling. "Everyone get on defensive, we're being attacked!"

Sweet Bee immediately flew forwards. Her army of bees buzzing louder and louder in a black cloud forming a shield in front of them. "We will not allow you to hurt Prime!" A voice cried out. And from the shadows appeared a...clone? Double Trouble felt themselves tensing up in fear. Their body refused to move. A clone talking about Prime. This could only mean one thing.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

Prime was back.
And he could block farsight.
The world was fucked.
"What do we do?" Wolcot cried out. The look in their eyes could only be described as raw panic.
"We run!" What other option was there? He didn't want to get further involved in this without proper back up.

Sweet Bee left the bees to keep the clone away. More clones appeared from the shadows behind him. Shadow Weaver had already bolted. Good riddance. Before he could get on Wolcot she had fled in a frantic sprint. Double Trouble hasn't moved one bit. They hadn't even realised he told them to run.

"Double Trouble you need to run!"

No reaction. The bees were dispersing and the clones had begun to advance. "Glory to Prime!" They yelled in perfect union.
With barely a moment to think Peekablue grabbed Double Trouble's hand and started to run. They stumbled behind him. Tripping over their feet as he dragged them along. Why were they wearing heels?

With his only thought being to run as fast as he could, he lost focus. And tripped into a hole. His hand still clasped around Double Trouble's.
The reality of this hole hit him hard. He groaned as he got up and brushed him self off. His first instinct was to check on Double Trouble, as he spun round he saw them sitting calmly on the floor.
"He's back. He's back. He's back." They were sitting and staring at the ground. Then suddenly, they shook themselves out their stupor and looked up at Peekablue.

Double Trouble's POV

"What the fuck." They hissed to no one in particular.
"Yeah, I'm not sure what's going on either. It might be useful to get out this hole though."
They slowly stood up. "Sounds like a great idea. I'd love you to walk me through how we climb that." They said gesturing to the hole a few metres above them with a steep slope they'd slid down.

Their Prince looked at it and gave a deep, deep sigh. He looked so done with everything. They wished they could just ask him how they could help him. Tell him he could trust them. Take him into their arms and whisper sweet nothings into his ear so they could watch his face flush the same adorable way it always did.

It was darker in the hole. He was only centimetres away from them. Just a small movement away. Specks of dust danced around the air and mocked them as they floated up through the hole. The air smelled musty and slightly damp. There was a perfect absence of any noise.

Peekablue's POV

He pretended to focus on the hole. Tried to focus on how to get out. But all he could do was think about the fact that they were so close to him. He could easily reach out and hold their hand again. Their hands were scaly but strangely soft. Their fingers were long and slender. It had soothed his panic earlier. Holding their hand meant he was sure he wouldn't lose them, meant sure he was holding on and that they'd both get out.

He hated the fact that that was what he'd focused on. And it was the only thing he could focus on right now. When he turned to look at them he found a pair of bright yellow eyes gazing at him.

Their smile was soft and affectionate. Not smug, knowing or teasing. It was new and...vulnerable. In that moment he felt almost naked. They were staring right into him and he could see right into them too.
His mind was full of the same echoing question. 'What is this?'
Suddenly, long, slender fingers curled around his. Their hand slipped into his. Their eyes not breaking apart for even a second. He had to ask. He would ask. "Doub-"
"Surrender or we will shoot!" A voice boomed out. Their hand quickly left his and he got out his knives. The clones had found them.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

"I'd put the knives away if I were you." It was a voice of a young girl, familiar with feel of danger as soon as they heard it. Peekablue dropped his knives and they fell to the ground with a deafening clang that resonated around the once silent hole.

They knew who it was before even needing to turn around. The Pink Demon aka their inspiration for Flutterina.

The League and Horde Prime had them. They were well and truly screwed.

They looked around and all they could see was clones, clones, more clones. The darkness of the cave obscured practically everything but from what they could see. There were hundreds maybe thousands of clones...
And the League of course. The Pink Demon is small but knowing her reputation and seeing her malicious smirk made up for it. Her ruthlessness and cruelty was infamous. That little girl is one of the most powerful people on Etheria. And of course the Pink Demon is accompanied by her nine thugs. All clad in black and menacing as always.

"Fancy seeing you here. The cowardly fugitive and the dirty little identity thief." She spoke slowly, making sure they knew, she could and would kill them at the slightest blunder.
She then waved a hand at one of her thugs. The tallest, most ripped one standing near the dying, clearly one of her stronger ones. If they weren't probably going to kill them, Double Trouble would 100% have slept with them.

The Pink Demon murmured something into their ear. Then turned sharply and snapped her fingers and walked off into the abyss of clones. The tall figure advanced towards Double Trouble. "You're coming with me." They announced then swiftly clapped handcuffs on them in the blink of an eye.

"Oh darling, at least take me out for dinner first." They said, smirking. When in doubt, flirt your way out.

The figure just grunted and reached for their arm to lead them forward. Peekablue suddenly slapped away the hand.

They'd been careful not to look over at him, so as not to expose their fondness for him. But now he was in their line of sight, they could see the sheer terror. He was trembling slightly. His breaths shaky and his movements were jerky not graceful like usual.
What happened next was just a blur of fists and then complete black.

Peekablue's POV

The first thing he noticed was his splitting headache. As he became increasingly more awake and aware he realised a slight issue. He was locked up in a cell.
"Horde Prime requests your presence at dinner." Where did that clone come from? It was no use resisting so he got up and followed the clone.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

The Prince was lead into a large hall. Instead of grimy walls of dirt, as he expected of an underground room, the walls were a pristine white. The room was shaped as a dome, the ceiling stretched very far above him. In the middle of this shining white dome was a long, also pure white table. On it was an array of exotic-looking foods, all Etherian . At the head of the table was Horde Prime, the great conqueror himself.

Peekablue could feel his trembles return as he saw the, very not dead, Horde Prime sitting in front of him casually eating a grape vine. He looked as strong as ever. Exactly the same as when She Ra had slain him. Despite the beautiful layout of food, he felt immensely uncomfortable. Clones were surrounding every inch of any escape route, he was a prisoner, the League was somewhere here, his Farsight wasn't working. Peekablue prayed to the Eye that Horde Prime didn't know this, otherwise he would be at an impossible disadvantage.

"Come your highness." Horde Prime finally spoke. He gestured to a chair beside him. "Sit, I insist." His words were polite like a good host but his eyes and tone were a dark confirmation of Peekablue's imprisonment.

Frightened to his core, Peekablue walked over to the chair and stiffly sat down. "Now, enjoy the meal." Horde Prime told him, smiling but his eyes and tone remaining sinister.
He took the first dish in front of him, not bothering to check it and cut off a bit with his knife and fork. It felt like he was swallowing a rock. The lump of food scratched at his throat as he gulped it down.

"Your highness I'd like to form an alliance with you." Horde Prime began. This couldn't be good. "In exchange for good hospitality and a promise that you'll survive the renewal of your planet, you will lend me your Farsight. Of course I'll ask my witch to remove the barrier blocking it." Horde Prime had the upper hand. He knew. There was no way out now.

Horde Prime stared at him expectantly, waiting for his response. Peekablue stared him right in the eye. He had a disadvantage and no chance of leaving here alive but "There's no way I'd ever associate with the likes of you. I'd rather die than help destroy my planet and murder my people." His hands were shaking fast but his voice and glare came out strongly.

"You Etherian royalty are so alike. So...frustratingly stubborn." Horde Prime gave a heavy sigh then a menacingly smile appeared on his face. "I suppose you've given me no choice your highness. Little sibling! Come show the Prince how much happier you are!"

As they walked in he froze. He could feel tears reaching his eyes but couldn't allow Prime to see weakness. He wanted to scream. He wanted to stab Prime then run off with them. He wanted to save them.
Double Trouble stood in front of him wearing the clone uniform. Their eyes glowing a sickly, pale green. "Hello your highness." Prime had them in his grasp.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"What's wrong your highness? You seem upset." Their words were lifeless, devoid of any life. He couldn't move. Everything was blurred apart from them. "There's no need to look so concerned. Prime has taken away all my pain. He has freed me."

"Freed you?" It was useless to protest. "You're more trapped than you've ever been." And he wasn't sure whether it was a figment of his imagination created by desperation but for a split second he swore their eyes flicked back to normal.

"Now your highness, are you willing to enter an alliance with me?" Prime asked calmly. His gaze was still fixed on Double Trouble.
Something was off. Everything was off when it came to Prime but something was really off.
"Why not just chip me?" He asked Prime, his eyes narrowing.
Horde Prime raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I expect no less from the famous Prince Peekablue, the only Lapis seer alive. I've done my research on you. I'm impressed, that rarely happens."

"Stop avoiding the question." Prime still seemed amused.

"Chipping you would block your Farsight which is your most valuable skill to me if you are to join us. You see, the technology takes complete control over your mind and body, including your vision. Since the eye only allows it's seers to have Farsight then it would cut off your Farsight to stop me from using it. Such a shame no?"
Peekablue stayed silent. He wouldn't play games with this asshole.

Horde Prime showed no reaction at his silence, instead he stayed still. "Join me."

"Go fuck yourself." Peekablue was burning with the temptation to strangle him right there and then. Scream at him or something. But one glance at Double Trouble deterred him.
Horde Prime's face seemed to relax into a grave stare. He tutted and gave a long sigh. "Guess we're doing this the hard way." His eyes pierced into Peekablue's. "I'm sure you're fully aware of what I can do to your...companion." He gestures to Double Trouble.

Yes, he was fully aware. He was fully aware that if it was his fault for getting them stuck in this shit, he'd get them out of it. "Fine. I will lend you my Farsight." The words felt heavy in his mouth. His stomach dropped as he saw the corners of Prime's mouth lift.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

That idiot really thought he could brainwash them. They wished they could say their superiority is what saved them but that's probably their God complex talking.

When Prime and his cult did the whole glowing green water ritual they thought it was it. But it wasn't.

They didn't know what saved them. But if it was something with power that succeeded Prime's tech they didn't want to know.

For now, they didn't seem to be able to connect to the 'hive mind' otherwise they'd have been found out by now. Double Trouble could feel their heart pounding so hard they could barely think. They had to get them and Peekablue out here quickly.

Peekablue's POV

He knew Prime was cruel but sending them to fetch him? It was too much. He could barely look at them without aching with guilt.

"Darling, everything okay?"
The monotonous tone was gone. His head whipped up. Their eyes were normal. Their usual smirk and cheeky glint was back.

"But- but you're meant to be chipped!" He exclaimed rushing up to the the transparent door where they stood on the other side.

"Well, his technology didn't work. Don't ask because I don't know." They reached over and pressed a few buttons and the wall disinterested. "Let's get out of here before a clone finds us, hm?"

From then things escalated from one thing to another. It was a rush and before he knew it Peekablue was sprinting for his life. The ominous marching of clones echoing behind him. The caves were a labyrinth and he knew the League couldn't be far. They weren't going to get out.

Just as the heaviness in his legs took over and just as his desire to keep running began to evaporate suddenly he felt hope surge through him.

His Farsight was back. So not all of Prime's lair was hidden. As his full vision started to return Peekablue could see the labyrinth of caves start to make sense. "Follow me." He ordered Double Trouble. With the last reserves of his stamina he led them around the tunnels. Winding through passages and shortcuts until finally they'd lost the clones.

Double Trouble giggled. "Wow, Farsight is goddamn usef-"
He could barely register his actions. It's almost as if his body was moving on its own.

He'd cut them off mid sentence. Then realisation hit him as he felt his lips against theirs.

Double Trouble's POV

Holy shit they'd wanted to do this for too long. His soft lips were more intoxicating than they'd imagined. They slipped their arms round his waist and pulled him in.

They kissed him gently as if scared he would break like a porcelain doll. Even so all they wanted to do was kiss him breathless.

Peekablue's POV

Was he going to regret this? Yes.
Did he care? That's future Peekablue's problem.

Right now he could barely think. As Double Trouble pulled him in closer he cupped their face with hands. They smelled nice. They were so tender with their kissing. Soft and sweet. One thing Peekablue noticed is reptilian skin is very different from normal skin. It was fairly cold to touch and the scales felt smooth but quite silky.

Peekablue gasped slightly as he felt their tongue slip into his mouth Then kissed him harder than before.

Double Trouble's POV

For a probably sheltered royal he was an incredible kisser. They could feel the minutes passing and the kiss deepening.

Peekablue's POV

Fuck, fuck, fuck. He had just pulled away although he remained in their arms. His lips barely an inch from theirs.

Peekablue cleared his throat desperately trying to break the deafening silence. It was quiet but both of them could feel a million questions hanging in the air. "Should we...find the others?" He managed to croak out whilst being very aware of his flushed face, their inquisitive stare and the closeness of their...everything.

Double Trouble's POV

They moved away from the flustered Prince completely. Giving him some space to recover from his deep blush.

"Lead the way my Prince." No matter what they felt, their feelings didn't fit with their career or their chosen path in life. They had to abandon those kinds of things to survive a long time ago. This had to mean nothing to them. Even if their heart is begging otherwise...

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

Once he'd lead them out of the winding caves they ended up in the forest but thankfully not the same eery place. The familiar forest sounds were back and everything was thriving in Etheria's usual magical way.

Even if it wasn't their planet they'd always managed to feel at home. It was nice although the magic here was very different from back home.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??"
Wolcot charged towards them.

"Hello Wolcot." Peekablue said, he sounded so relieved.

"I'M SORRY FOR JUST RUNNING, ARE YOU OKAYWHATHAPPENEDOHGODISITMYFAULTAREYOUHURT-" they were cut off by Sweet Bee putting a hand on their muzzle.

"Wolcot chill. They're alive and they look fine." She pulled Peekablue into a hug. Double Trouble had to bite their tongue to not hiss.

Suddenly they realised...something was off.

Peekablue's POV

"Where's Shadow Weaver?" Double Trouble asked.

"She ran off with a bottle full of shiny stuff. I'm just glad we've gotten rid of her." Sweet Bee replied then saw Peekablue's horrified expression. "Oh. I did something wrong didn't I?"

"Sweet Bee." He took in a deep breath. "That was liquid moonstone. I gave her some to restore her. Now she's going to have the rest which will give her around 10 times her original power."

"Oh. That's bad." It didn't quite hit her until... "That's BAD. Aaaaah what did I doooooooo?"

"We'll she probably isn't as powerful as the Princess Alliance and she probably doesn't always have malicious intentions."

"PROBABLY???"

"Oh relax. I know her kind, she's not a power hungry maniac she just wants to survive. She won't have the motivation to risk going up against the Princesses." Double Trouble told her. "What's next, your highness?"

They were distant. It has been awkward ever since...that thing that happened that he wasn't at all overthinking. Were they indifferent to it? Did they think it was nothing? Was it a figment of his imagination?

"I think we have to-" then everything went white.

Double Trouble's POV

"Darling? Are you okay?" They knelt down and poked the unconscious Prince. Panic. Just panic. "Peekablue?!"

"Don't worry this happens a lot." Sweet Bee said sighing. "We just wait for a bit and he gets up. He's having a Vision from the eye."

"Oh." They internally sighed with an unbelievable amount of relief.

"What happened?"

"With Prime?"

"What else would I be talking about?"

"We were captured. The League was there. Prime tried to chip me but it didn't work, don't ask I don't know. I pretended to be a brainwashed robot then saved me and him." They gestures to the limp, blue man on the floor. "The Farsight came back at some point in the caves and we shook off the clones then we went and found you."

"That's not all of it, is it?"
They stiffened. They hadn't given anything away..? Then their gaze fell on Peekablue. Ah, childhood best friends.

"No that's all of it."

"Don't bullshit me. He looked off next to you. He was clearly overthinking something."

"Aren't you observant. He's worried about Horde Prime and the fact that a dangerous alien overlord can block his Farsight, what else would have happened?"

Just as Sweet Bee was going to say something. The Prince shot up.

"So, what did you see?" Wolcot asked him.

"It's been a long day. Let's just rest for tonight and I'll tell you tomorrow." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"I think we need to talk." Peekablue whispered to Double Trouble.

"About what?"

"You know."

"You're going to have to be a bit more specific."

Peekablue just turned and started walking. "Just follow me. Let's find somewhere private."

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

The sun was beginning to set and the ethereal orange and pink rays of sun flowed around the forest. The trees were standing tall and majestic in the setting sunlight. The grass sounded soft beneath his footsteps as he wandered through the woodland. He could smell the damp but magical nature around him. The sound of a rushing stream echoed nearby. He stopped in a peaceful clearing. Calm and quiet with a few fireflies dancing around.

"This may not be my planet but it sure is stunning here." Double Trouble smiled sadly as they observed the forest. Then they turned so that they stood facing each other being mindful to keep some space between each other.

Peekablue grasped the brief moment of silence to talk first. "I'm going to tell you something and I need you to not interrupt me because I just need to get this out before rationality and logic gets the best of me." They just looked at him, quiet and understanding.

"When I first met you, I definitely didn't trust you. I thought you were a sneaky criminal-"

"I am though."

"No interrupting!" They mimed zipping their lips, smirking their same mischievous smirk that made his heart race.

"Sure you are but as I got to know you. There's more to you. You're understanding, intelligent, a flirtatious bastard" they chuckled at that and he felt himself grow a little more confident. "You hold so many secrets, you have a sense a morality somewhere and you can be caring. I haven't seen it but I know you can be. So basically I-" he hesitated, stumbling over his words. "I- I think I'm I'm-" he inhaled deeply and stared them straight in their bright yellow eyes. "I'm falling in love with you. Which might be a good or bad thing but I've given up denying it."

Double Trouble's

They didn't expect him to outright tell him. They didn't think he had the guts. Then again they didn't expect him to kiss them.

This was a mess. Just a glance at his light, joyous face made their heart ache and they were staring right at him.

They'd gone years without getting attached to anyone. Without being vulnerable or feeling vulnerable towards anyone then a pretty boy Prince walks in and steals their heart.

A Prince. He was a Prince and they were criminal who didn't want a broken heart. They couldn't bear the burden of losing someone. They'd lost enough loved ones.

"That's very sweet although don't you think you're being idealistic?" The words burned their tongue and the mask they'd plastered on was so thick they could barely breathe. "You're a Prince I doubt mummy and daddy would allow it."

His face had fallen into shock. He wasn't going to reply.

"I don't really care about what my parents think. There's a good reason I'm running away from them." Oh so he was replying. More unpredictability. "All I want to know is how you feel about me." His smile before was gone. It made their stomach drop to their feet.

"Still, I've got enough problems with royalty." They turned. They couldn't face him for this part. "I assume my work is done here. Don't worry about upholding your part of the deal I was only in it for the drama. See you around Peekablue."

Peekablue's POV

Just Peekablue. No butterfly inducing nicknames. Had he done something?

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

'You can trust them.'

The whispers of his clone from the Vision haunted him. Trusting them with his heart had been a terrible idea.

He couldn't face Sweet Bee or Wolcot or anyone right now. Space. He wanted space. From everything.

Escaping home to escape responsibility made matters worse. The pressure of saving the universe was crushing him.

The Eye was barely giving him time to breathe. Collect information. Go tell the Princesses. Do this, do that.

Everything was too much. He could feel the emotion welling up. Overflowing. Overflowing in the box he'd put everything into.

Tears were streaming down his face and he didn't know when it started. They just kept falling, pouring out his eyes like heavy rainfall.

He stayed there for a while. Sobbing his sorrows away in the peaceful forest although admittedly, no longer so peaceful with the sound of his wails.

Timeskip
Next morning he woke up to angry buzzing. "I knew we couldn't trust them!!!" She exclaimed in a fury.

A dark cloud of bees vibrated with wrath above her. "Sweet Bee we don't know ever-"

"Bullshit! They're not here! I'm telling you they betrayed us!"

"You're jumping to conclusions! Don't assume the worst just because you're jealous!"

"Jealous??? How dare you!"

"Will both of you shut up I just woke up." Peekablue grumbled miserably. The two spun round in shock. "They didn't 'betray' us, they-" his breath hitched a little as he wrenched himself under control. He'd spent enough tears. "They're gone. Just gone. And Wolcot." He turned to glare them directly in the eye. "Don't get involved in that kind of thing, I can handle it."

They both began stuttering apologies, Peekablue just raised a hand to quiet them. "Don't bother. We just need to go to the Princesses. Is everyone set to go?"

The pair just silently nodded. Exchanging looks of concern they thought he wasn't seeing.

"Then let's go."

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"I'm here to see the Princesses." He commanded.

The guards looked at each other in confusion for a second. "Sir, I'm afraid we can't do that."

"Why not?" Sweet Bee stepped out from behind him.

"Your highness!" The guards exclaimed in unison and they fell swiftly into a deep bow. "Apologies we didn't see you. Who is your companion?"

"He'll introduce himself later. Where's Glimmer?"
As Sweet Bee and the guard droned on about several formalities Peekablue tugged the hood on his cloak down further. The other guard was studying him. It's unlikely that the guard would recognise him but he never took chances.

It had been a while since he'd been seen in public. When he ran away he'd only just begun transitioning. Hopefully he'd changed enough over the years.

Finally guard stepped aside and they entered the large throne room.

"Your majesty! Princess Sweet Bee has returned with a companion!"

A bored looking Glimmer suddenly perked up. "Sweet Bee! Where have you been??"

Suddenly the other Princesses started entering. A guard had alerted them.
Scorpia pulled her into a big hug. "Sweet Bee!"

As the Princesses surrounded her she was bombarded with questions, scoldings and all sorts of chatter.

Peekablue cleared his throat loudly. "Oh yeah. Guys, you might want to listen to what he has to say. It's important."

The Princesses' previous excitement died out. For a moment there was silence. Until Adora stepped forward. "Who are you?"

Peekablue lifted off his hood. Before their faces could melt into shock he announced. "I'm sure you recognise me. I'm Prince Peekablue. We have urgent information."

Catra pushed forward through the crowd. "Where's that tricksy lizard?" She hissed, claws out.

"Gone." He would not elaborate.

Adora stepped forward and put a soothing hand on her girlfriend's shoulder. "What's this urgent information?" She asked Peekablue.

They were going to be hard to work with. No organisation. No order. He internally groaned. Too emotional. Still, he needed to listen to the Eye. Mentally bracing himself, he told them about the clones, the league and Horde Prime. And to no shock their emotions were mixed and chaotic. Hugging, tears, looks of terror.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

These Princesses were so...hyper. Their mere presence was exhausting.

They were giving him a tour around Bright Moon. He didn't need one of course since he has Farsight but they seemed to enjoy it.

"And that's a bed! Have you seen a bed?" Frosta asked him. She was jumping up and down and kept shooting ice everywhere. He felt bad for the cleaners.

"Yes your highness. I am a Prince, I know what a bed is."

"When Scorpia arrived she wasn't aware that beds could be comfortable. She's just very excited, please be a little patient." Spinnerella, a warm, older Princess, explained.

Frosta turned round and grimaced. "Don't call me 'your highness' I have a name." Then kept sliding round on ice.

"Where have you been for the past few years?" Perfuma popped up from behind him.

"The Crimson Waste."

"Was it fun?" Bow, the token cinnamon roll, asked. Clearly he was attempting to lift Peekablue's mood. It wasn't working.

"It's the fucking Crimson Waste. You've been there before so I think you can make a guess."

Wrong Hordak suddenly gasped, even louder than Wolcot's 'inside voice'. "Language!".

"Don't worry Wrong Hordak he's just adjusting. He'll settle in eventually. Now who wants to hear embarrassing baby stories about him and Glimmer?" Micah thankfully cut in. All the Princesses squealed with excitement.

"Daaaaad." Glimmer groaned playfully.

"Kill me now." Peekablue muttered bitterly.

Timeskip to the evening

After a day of questions, childhood stories he definitely does not want other people hearing, sea shanties, something accidentally breaking and lots and lots of talking he was finally alone in his bedroom. He collapsed into an armchair.

He could see Catra about to knock. "Don't bother knocking. I can see you just come in." He called out.

Catra opened the door and marched in. "Can I help you?"

"You were working with Double Trouble." Oh he did not need this tonight.

"Look I'm tired could you-"

"Did they say anything about me?"

"Why do you ask?" What he really wanted to do was to just tell her to get out. But he'd seen what they had said to her just before they abandoned her.

"I just- We were friends and-" she just stopped and turned to leave.

"They didn't. I'm sorry." He was bad at this. "I'm here if you need to talk?"

Catra had a small, sad smile as she said "Thanks."

Then she left only for the Princesses to burst into his room. He hadn't focused on them. They were plotting something. Something dark.

"Let's have a sleepover!" Glimmer exclaimed then almost on cue they all shrieked. Torture. The evilest form of torture. Socialising.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

An hour later he was trapped. Trapped in endless cushions and blankets and snacks with everyone chattering. Would he survive the night?

Next morning he was woken up by hushed talking and the sound of rustling as people trekked over the mountains of cushions.

He went back to his room, got changed, applied make up then got a strong morning coffee.

They had played games and eaten snacks all night which at first seemed childish but weirdly it was relaxing? Now he knew their little hobbies, embarrassing stories. Unlike the royal court of his family they weren't gossiping behind a corner. They weren't judging him for being 'the runaway'. It felt...strange.

"Hey, how are you holding up? They're a bit much for you, aren't they?" Micah had come up to him with a mug of coffee, full of sugar and milk as usual. And a bug? Old habits from Beast Island must die hard.

"Tired." He said then took a long sip.

"I'm glad you're trying."

"Weirdly they're a lot but it's nice."

"Different from your home." Curse Micah and knowing him so well. Peekablue just nodded in response. "Have you carried on training your Farsight? I can still help you master it, Bow's dads will find some books on it and we can carry on from where we left off all those years ago?"

"I've sort of practiced. It's hard on the run but I've managed to learn a few branches of Farsight. Just not well, I collapse after trying something that's different from the original Farsight."

"We can work on that. Come see me after the war meeting!"

"Sure." He finished up his coffee and made his way to the meeting room.

It was bigger than the average meeting room. The wars depicted murals of past battles and in the middle was a large table surrounded by chairs specialised for each Princess. A purple, holographic map was engulfing the whole surface of the table.

He sat in a spare chair they'd put out for him. The Princesses and the rest of the main rebellion leaders such as Bow and Catra piled in not long after him.

"I think it's time we discussed taking down Horde Prime." Glimmer announced. She stood regally. Looking like the Queen that she was.

"Again." Adora cut in.

"Yes, again."

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

They took a deep breath in. Ah yes. The fragrant scent of polluted Crimson Waste air. It was the delightful thing that really made their mornings.

It had been what? 5 or 6 months since they'd abandoned Peekablue? They didn't keep track anymore. Time stopped being important.

After months of empty hook ups, shifty deals and their usual dodgy activities, Double Trouble came to a horrific realisation. They were madly in love with him and they'd rejected their feelings and his.

It was safe to say they'd fucked up this time.

Their reasoning? Not wanting the pain of losing a loved one again. Their whole friends family and their planet exploding into dust was not a very fun experience.

But now they just wanted to see his secret smiles that he thought he was hiding, his adorable blush when they got him flustered, his bright blue eyes they would gladly get lost in... They wanted him and all of him.

Double Trouble was sitting on a rooftop. Admiring the sunset whilst the Crimson Waste was still reasonably quiet.

The oranges and pinks melted into each other, bleeding all over the sky in a multitude of colours. It was the only good part about this doomed hell hole.

Their ears pricked slightly as they heard some people approaching. They quickly backed to the middle of the rooftop to avoid being seen.

"Have you heard?" A gravelly voice murmured, hushed but still loud enough for them to hear.

"Heard what?" Another voice grunted back.

"The Prince that ran away. He's joined the princesses."

So their guess was correct. Their Prince had gone straight to the princesses with the information. Wouldn't it be nice to stop by and say hello to all their old friends?

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

Maybe they had snuck into Bright Moon to mess with the Princesses a few times. But could you really blame them? It was quality entertainment.

They still chuckled every time they remembered Kitten's face after abs, Frost girl, Blondie and Glitter had exploded food all over kitchen after the older ones forgot to supervise Frosty and she made a 'special drink', without putting a blender on the lid. It was safe to say that they didn't babysit Frosty again for a while.

Their time among Princesses was finally useful. If they wanted to pop by they had to be smart. It's not like they could just waltz in especially if Peekablue was watching with his Farsight.

Double Trouble took a good look in the mirror then settled on their costume. The black void consumed them and melded their new form. It disappeared to reveal a woman. She was fairly muscly but remained feminine with a long, floaty, rose pink dress. Her face was beautiful in an adorable way with a button nose, shining black eyes and sweet, heart shaped lips. The colour of her skin was similar to the fur of a deer. White freckles were scattered across her face and a short, deep brown bob of curls framed her dainty, pretty face.

Dolos. She wants to help the Alliance reform the Crimson Waste and all it's misfits. She's bubbly and cute but isn't completely fragile.

They entered the large skeleton pub. The pub had become famous after Kitten and the Princesses had left their marks there. They still recalled Kitten's angsty life speech. It had rattled all the underdogs.

It was rowdy but joyful. All that could be heard was endless chatter, hearty laughs and shouts for more drinks. Its a room warm with smiles and happiness. In the middle of it all was a large, very muscular woman with purple skin and off white hair pulled back into a ponytail, recalling her many adventures for the adoring fans around her.

What a Chad.

First they sat at a nearby table making sure 'Dolos' was in purple Chad's line of sight. After ordering a drink they began furtive glances which gradually became catching her eye every so often. Purple Chad needed to think she was coming to them first.

Eventually she threw a quick excuse of needing to go somewhere for a few moments to the fan girls then got up. Putting on a bold swagger as she made her way over to pretty Dolos. "May I sit with you?" The Chad had manners.

"Huntara! I've heard so much about you!" They rambled on in Dolos' innocent voice. They feigned nervousness as they suddenly 'panicked'. "Wait, sit! Sorry sorry for accidentally ignoring your question I'm just very interested in you- No! That came out wrong! I mean your adventures, I overheard your missions and-"

Purple Chad just smirked softly. And paused Dolos' muttering by lifting her palm. "Ah you're a fan? I can tell you more about my adventures if you'd like?"

"Oh yes! That would be amazing!" Dolos exclaimed, they made their face light up as if in excitement. Purple Chad droned on about whatever quests she's accomplished, clearly exaggerating several points.

"And then she said 'Know about She Ra? I am She Ra'." On cue Dolos gasped.

"You know She Ra?!"
"Yes, I'm a good friend to the Royal Alliance."
"Well, um." Dolos twirled a strand of hair around her finger as she shyly avoided eye contact. "Could you introduce me to them? I have some great ideas for the Royal Alliance, especially to reform the Crimson Waste. It's my home after all."

Purple Chad ate the whole 'timid sweetheart wants to save her home' act up. In all honesty they were pretty disappointed. Such an overused trope and incredibly boring to act out.

Then of course Purple Chad was going to smile confidently like she's been inspired.
Purple Chad smiled confidently, inspired by Dolos' heartfelt goals.
Then she's say something like of course, I'd be honoured etc.
"I can definitely introduce you. It would be an honour."
It was times like these that they missed Peekablue's unpredictability. Everyone being so predictable was tedious.

"I'm actually visiting soon. Would you like to come?"
"Yes, yes that sounds lovely! Thank you so much!" Their own high pitched chirps were becoming annoying.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

It had been a long journey. Suffice to say it consisted of highly doubtful tales of bravour, disgraceful attempts at flirting and just all the things you'd expect of a Chad.

Of course they had to stay in character. Swooning over her like a fan girl does for a man twice her age that lives on the other side of the world. It was infuriating to say the least, the end seemed like it would never come.

Just as they considered breaking out of character and retransforming just for some fun, the castle came into view.

Although they weren't on great terms with the Princesses, they could still admire the beauty of Bright Moon. Smooth, pristine towers that reflected the sunlight in such a way that made the whole place glow. The palace was made up of sloping and decorative architecture . But the cherry on the cake was the shining Moonstone. It glistened a thousand colours and shined brighter than everything around it, almost outshining the castle itself.

Soon enough Purple Chad was walking them through a large archway into what they assumed was the throne room.

Blondie walked in and her face lit up as she saw the Chad. "Huntara!"

The two bustled each other about, some strange, friendly rivalry they seemed to have.

Then miraculously Purple Chad remembered they were there. "I forgot to introduce you to my friend! This is Dolos. She has some ideas for the Alliance."

"I'd like to help reform my home, the Crimson Waste." Dolos chirped bubbly as always, "Wait, you're She Ra! I've heard so much about the heroic warrior who was once part of the Horde but then you found a sword and then you fought against them and your story is just so...so...inspiring! I'm a HUGE fan!" So maybe they were going overboard with the flattery.

"Well I am pretty heroic." Seems they didn't need to worry about arousing suspicion with exaggerated flattery, Blondie's ego was bigger than her brain apparently. "I'd love to hear your ideas, come with me to the meeting room."

As Blondie led them through long elegant corridors. Purple Chad followed behind. Finally, finally they arrived to the meeting room. The Alliance was so serious. The map was fixed from when they'd sabotaged it last time and illuminated across the table and Glimmer was at the head, receiving ideas, organising everything, planning ahead, calculating risks. She'd become quite the queen.

And next to her was a gorgeous, angellic-looking man with delicate features. He was going along with her plans. Nodding in agreement or interjecting when things had too many weaknesses. He had friends now. Peekablue. The Prince they would risk too muchhhh to see.

"Thank you for bringing them in Huntara, I hope it wasn't too much trouble?" He said, suddenly the Alliance snapped out their focus in the meeting and realised their presence.

"No it wasn't. It was a pleasure to serve the Alliance again your highness." Chad said promptly then left.

They shapeshifter back into their default form. "You could have warned me that she knew it was me. Pretending to be Dolos the whole time was a bore."

"Huntara was only just notified by a guard when your back was turned. She had no idea who you really were during the journey."

"So as expected, you're expecting me?"
Sparkly girl suddenly cut in just as he was going to answer." Do you know why we allowed you here? After Peekablue saw you with his Farsight we could have just alerted Huntara and foiled your plan."

"I knew exactly what was going to happen your glittery majesty l. He would inevitably see me with Farsight." They slipped into their usual smugness. Everyone underestimated what they were truly capable of. Good for them. "You seem too relaxed. .Are you not aware that we will gladly throw you into a cell?" Peekablue threatened, fully serious. They at least wanted to form some kind of friendship with him, at the bare minimum they wanted to be acquaintances..

"Well two points. One, if you were really concerned with locking me in cell then I think I'd already be there. Two," Their smirk grew even more smug. "You have your side of the deal to uphold." They had faltered slightly before announcing their second point. This was a huge risk. Coming to the Princesses and hoping Kitten or any other enemies they'd amassed over the years wouldn't claw their eyes out.

"Why are you here?" Peekablue asked, he'd flinched slightly at the mention of the deal. He remembered.

"Probably for some drama. They're dumb enough for that." Kitten spat violently. Shhe had murder in her eyes.

"Actually I have a very good reason to be here." They purred arrogantly back at her...

"What is it then?"

They locked eyes with their Prince's for a few seconds. His eyes had narrowed defensively. Of course he hated their guts, they expected nothing less. Then he broke off those precious seconds of connection and looked away...

"That's my business Kitten."

Kitten stood up, the chair flew back. They weren't religious but the withering glare she fixed on them made them internally pray to survive her wrath. She was furious.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"You disgusting traitor." Each word was like a drop of venom, even for an onlooker. "You- you lied to me, you acted like you were my friend and in the end... In the end it turns out you were just a liar, a bad friend. And you dare come back here."

Her glare suddenly darkened further. Her claws retracted. "Uh Catra?" Perfuma talked sweetly, as if this was just a tantrum and Catra wasn't about to claw their flesh off and brutally shred their corpse to pieces. He was not on great terms with them but even he didn't want to see that. "Remember here we do not do violence. Breathe with me."

Thank goodness for Perfuma.

After some 'inhale exhale' Catra finally sat down. "What deal?" She demanded. As Double Trouble was about to speak she stopped them. "I'm asking Peekablue."

"I kinda maybe sort of..."
"Spit it out?" Oof. Here it comes.

"I promised to pardon them of all their crimes in exchange for helping me retrieve information about the area my Farsight wasn't reaching."

"Why didn't you mention it sooner??"

"It didn't come up?"

Everyone in the room collectively groaned, he could feel the face palming.

"Anyway now that's something we can do later. Can I join your Alliance?" Double Trouble cut in.

"You want to what?" Glimmer asked, in clear disbelief. "Why?"

"Boredom." Liar. But the truth would be inconvenient for both of them, so he remained quiet.

Timeskip
Double Trouble's POV
After some more chattering and disputes, the meeting was finally over. The Alliance poured out the room. "I'll take you to your roo-"

"Ill take them Glimmer." Glitter gave a firm nod of understatement and left. Next thing they knew he had slammed them against the wall.

"What the hell are you playing at??? Saying the deal doesn't matter, that nothing I said to you matters and now you're strolling in like you own the place." His eyes were piercing blue like always. He was even more handsome than they'd remembered, especially up close. And he was still so unreadable, so unpredictable. It wasn't the greatest circumstances but by god they had hmissed him.

"What do you want?"

"Well darling I think I've made its very obvious. Do I really need to spell it out for you?" They slipped their tail round his leg then brought one arm around his waist and the other tenderly holding his chin.

As expected, his oh so adorable blush flushed his face. The only predictable thing about him. Taken aback by their direct statement he hesitated for just a moment. "Look. You-" he pulled back roughly. "You rejected my feelings and now you're saying you do want me?!" He sighed deeply. "I don't get it."

If they were going to not fuck this up again they had to be serious. Without a mask for the first time in years.

"I fucked up. I know that. I don't deserve it but please give me a chance to explain?"

Peekablue's face just remained neutral. He pondered for a while.

Chapter Text

Double Trouble's POV

He took a deep inhale. "I-"

"THE LIZARD IS BACK!" Wolcot shouted as she burst through the doors. "Where did you go? What happened? Did someone threaten you into leaving? Tell me EVERYTHING."

"Wolcot calm down. They're probably tired so just take them to their room and go to sleep. You can interrogate them tomorrow."

"Where is their room..?"

"The empty one next to Scorpia and Perfuma." Then swiftly left the room. Slamming the door behind him.

Wolcot blinked a few times. "Is it something I said?"

"Just take me to my room."

"Oh, okay..." they still didn't move. After allowing a few moments of empty silence passed she couldn't contain themself. "Do you like him?"

They could feel warmth grow across their cheeks. They thought they were above blushing like an underage anime schoolgirl with a crush on her teacher. Apparently falling in love with adorable, blue men made you lose your emotional barriers and dignity.

"Ooh. Someone has a cruuuuuuussshhh."

"Wolcot hun it's a bit more than a crush."

Another moment of silence passed. Their words sunk in and the horse's eyes widened. They gasped as if she'd just uncovered a murder. But then their face melted from surprise to pure confusion. "Then why does he seem more...heartbroken?"

"Long story short I fucked up and now I'm trying fix my mess like a cliché childhood ex boyfriend in a Christmas rom com."

"Ouch." Silence creeped back in again. This was getting old. "Well my grandma always said to sleep on it whenever I had problems. She had the IQ of the boulder that fell on her but I always thought it was good advice."

"I don't want to even ask."

"No, you don't."

As they collapsed into the ocean of pillows, a thousand questions rang round their head. Their biggest question aside from what the fuck was Wolcot's childhood was like was whether he could ever give them a chance they didn't deserve. Was it wrong to hope for something they didn't deserve? Was it even their place to decide whether or not they deserved forgiveness?

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

Feelings? Ew.

Today was the day of flushing out his problems by burying himself in denial then distracting himself with training because there was no way in hell that he would face things head on.

After finishing up his coffee he went back to his room and slipped into his usual outfit. Then he headed to his favourite place, the library. Call him a nerd but it's the only place where the princesses aren't allowed to shriek like banshees.

The library was huge, and calling it that was an understatement. Millions of years of knowledge and fantastical stories were lined up in rows and rows stretching far, very far.

There was a hidden cranny in the history of enchanted chair legs section. When he twisted the lamp the walls slid apart to reveal a cosy, warm study room. He didn't know much but he suspected his ancestors had somehow placed the room here for only their descendants to discover with their farsight. Well it was what he liked to imagine. No matter where it came from, it was a peaceful escape.

He settled in the plush, velvet armchair and flipped open the book he'd left on the oak wood desk last night. The walls slid shut.

The one thing he loved most about reading is that he lost focus on his Farsight. It was the only way other than closing his eyes to get a break.

Double Trouble's POV

They glanced around at the place Wolcot had led them into.

"This looks perfect."

"I knew you'd love it." Wolcot replied with a satisfied grin.

"Let's get started then." They declared with a glint of mischief in their bright yellow eyes.

Chapter Text

Peekablue's POV

"Blue!" He could hear Wolcot's faint shouts as they entered the library. "Get your sky-coloured ass down here I have to show you something!"

He'd been reading for a while, he might as well go see what they want. The Prince pulled his head out his book and winced slightly. He always got an awful headache when Farsight came flooding back in.

Peekablue quickly got out the study and met up with Wolcot. "What do you want?"

Wolcot only smiled ominously, almost scarily. Then simply ordered. "Follow me."

Eventually they reached the theatre not too far from Bright Moon. It was very large with the usual red velvet curtains and red and gold themed cushioned seats and balcony. Everyone else was there. He quickly ran to sit next to Sweet Bee.

"What's happening?" Sweet Bee hissed, warily looking over at Wolcot who still had a terrifying smile fixed on their face....

They were seated at the front and for some reason Peekablue had gotten the middle seat, it was the last one left. He wouldn't thought Frosta would've grabbed it.

"Give me a second to check." He whispered back. He adjusted to his Farsight although backstage was pretty dark. He could make out performers and musicians rustling around in the dark.

"I think it's a show."

Then...it began. The lights dimmed. The curtains slowly parted and a spotlight shone on one person. Double Trouble. They were dressed in a black swinger dress with fishnet tights and impossibly high heels. They looked far too smug to not be scheming something.

"Princesses and non princesses, welcome to the show."

Some dancers dressed in black leotards, black tights and tap shoes piled in behind them. The band started to play a familiar jazz song.

"Come on babe why don't we paint the town." He didn't know they could sing. "And all that jazz."

Then the dancing and singing truly started. The backup dancers were probably great but he didn't notice them. All he could focus on was them. They were born on a stage.

"Slick your hair and wear your buckle shoes." They walked to the the front of the stage and turned to the side. "And all that jazz." They lifted their skirt a few inches and winked.

"I hear that father dip it's gonna blow your blues." He could feel his face heating up. They knew exactly what he was looking at. "And all that jazz." They dropped their skirt and went back to the centre of the stage.

Their dancing was teasing and risqué but also mesmerising. "To do that jaaaaazzz." During the instrumentals they danced even more, being more free to dance without having to sing.

The singing continued and suddenly they seemed even more mischievous.

Double Trouble's POV
They were enjoying this. They couldn't tell if he knew or not but he was staring.

Peekablue's POV

"If she'd hear, her baby's queer." They threw their arms out wide. "For all. That. Jazz."

The back up dancers surrounded them and blocked the view. "And all that jazz!" They parted to reveal Double Trouble had thrown off their dress and was now wearing the same fishnet tights and heels with a sleeveless black leotard. Needless to say it didn't leave much to the imagination. The tight leotard clung to the skin and revealed every inch, the dip on the neckline flashed some of their chest.

And for the rest of the song, he could barely pay attention to the actual performance. His head was filled with their flirtatious movements and their not at all attractive outfit that he most definitely was not ogling.

"I'm no one's spouse but I love my life!" Then they stopped dancing and belted the last lyrics. "And alll that jaaazzz." They made sure to look straight at Peekablue when they finally sang. "That jazz." And winked.

The curtains fell and he was just in shock. "You're more purple than blue." Sweet Bee exclaimed in her fits of laughter after seeing his face.

"Shut up." He mumbled. He got up and barely restrained himself from sprinting to the backstage door. He wound through the different performers taking off their costumes.

His Farsight picked up on their whispers.
"Isn't that Prince Peekablue?"
"How did he know his way here?"
"With Farsight dumbass."
"DT totally hooked up with him, did you see his face??"
"Sshh his Farsight can probably hear us."

He couldn't have been that obvious. But as he caught a glimpse of the flushing face in the mirror he realised, he was very obvious.

Finally, finally, he reached their dressing room. He quickly rushed in the closed the door. "That was on purpose."

For a moment they seemed off guard but they swiftly switched back into their usual sly self. "What was on purpose? I was just offering a show. I'm getting back into showbiz love."

"Then why we're you dancing and the outfit and-"

"Oh? You like my outfit?" They smirked and their eyes narrowed as they got up and stood right in front of him. He was still standing close to the door and they were only centimetres away. They'd trapped him.

"I- um." He cleared his throat and tried to grasp at any shreds of dignity left.

"Aw love, lizard got your tongue?"

"Fuck you."

"Gladly."

"Good." From there it started with small, gentle kisses which eventually turned into DT pinning his wrists against the wall and making out.

He had not been thinking about doing this for a while now. That's a lie. He hadn't stopped thinking about them. He hadn't stopped thinking about their smirk, their stare when they were studying someone, their look of confusion everytime he did something they couldn't predict, how they constantly wore a facade of confidence but still had vulnerability hidden inside of them. He hadn't stopped thinking about them because he was madly in love with them and couldn't stop falling further and further with every moment in their presence.

Double Trouble's POV

Everything about him was so soft. Still so soft even more than they remembered from last time. Kissing Peekablue felt different from their previous experiences.

Because he was a good kisser. No. Because it was out of love not just lust. Fairytales could go fuck themselves because this time the Prince Charming ended up with a notorious mercenary instead of a Princess.

They released his wrists and tangled one of their hands in his curly, beautifully styled hair. They placed their other hand on his slim waist.

His hands reached up to stroke their jawline and neck. Sparks of electricity burst on their skin as their bodies coalesced and they could feel him everywhere.

They pulled away although not enough to stop their lips being so close they brushed his. "Trust me when I say your hair and make up won't look so perfect after this."

"It better not be." Their Prince whispered in response. They chuckled quietly then their lips made their way up his handsomely sculpted jawline to his neck.

Peekablue's POV
All he could say was, they really knew what they were doing with that mouth. With even the lightest touch of their lips he lost all common sense.

He didn't even care if they left a mess. They worked their way back up to his lips and he kissed them back harder. He bit their bottom lip and heard a small, satisfying noise of surprise.

Double Trouble's POV
"Hey Doub-" the two quickly sprang apart but Double Trouble realised it was too late as they saw Glimmer's stunned face.

"Oh hi glitter. Did you enjoy my performance?"

"Glimmer I can explain-"

"Yeah, I would love to see you explain why you were snogging a wanted criminal known for betraying everyone at Bright Moon."

"I'd hardly call myself a criminal, I prefer busine-"

"You can shut up. Peekablue what the hell?" Oh the Queen was fuming. As much as they wanted to spare their Prince from her fury they also knew they shouldn't intervene for fear of making things worse and also they wanted to know what he would come up with. His lying was legendarily bad.

"Okay so stuff...happened?"

Peekablue's POV
He was so dead.
"Stuff happened? Is that all you can come up with? Just tell me the whole story."

"Theoretically speaking I could use my connection to the Eye to tell you everything about everything but there's so much that we would die of old age before I manage to fini-"

"Stop stalling. Why were you latched on to their fucking face with your fucking face."

He sighed in defeat. "During our time working together I may have sort of maybe started to like them as a bit more than a friend?"

"That's a pretty roundabout way of saying you want to fuck me." Double Trouble cut in with a grin.

"What?"

"Okay no no no. No it's not as suggestive as they're making it sound I swear. But in short-"

"Oh. My. God. You're dating???"

"We haven't discussed much yet."

"Im totally going to let everybody else know. Sweet Bee secretly ships you two so hard and she told everyone."

Sweet Bee did WHAT. Turns out he isn't one that was going to die.

Double Trouble's POV

Just before he could interrogate her glitter girl disappeared in a cloud of sparkles. For a brief moment everything was still.

"Did she ruin the mood or..?" He was still, they couldn't tell what he was doing nor thinking. Infuriating as always but just as intriguing.

"Darling, what are you thinking?"

"I just..." he turned to look directly into their eyes. "What is this to you?"

Oh god, their poor heart just couldn't take it when he was looking at them like that. "Peekablue I'm not going to leave again. That was not my brightest moment."

"That's not what I asked. Please, just answer."

His eyes were mixed with hope, desperation, longing and some things that they couldn't quite place. "I love you. I'm completely in love with you and it's been a while since I've been...close to someone. I don't know how this works. This is...whatever you'll let it be."

Was he happy with their answer? Was he distrustful?

Trust me.

He reached up and stroked their cheek with his slender fingers. Then he lightly placed his hand on their jaw and pecked them on the lips. He barely brushed their lips, his kiss felt like a feather.

"I love you too. I've been in love with you for a while now. Let's try..." he smiled. His radiant smile, they would take down a thousand kingdoms just to see him smile like that. To see him smile at them with that look in his eyes. The look that seemed more meaningful than words could ever even dream of being.

"Being in a relationship?"

"Yes, let's try that."

Their tail reached over and locked the dressing room door. They whispered a naughty comment in his ear, making him gasp slightly. His face blushing in the same adorable way that it did every time. They would never get tired of it. Or any other part of him.

Their lips sank back into each other. They weren't running away from anything anymore, as long as they had each other, they would be okay. Nothing could stop them.