It was quiet in the palace.

It was as it it was mourning the family. The halls were shrouded in grey, shadows looming across the walls. The halls felt cold and the air was bitter.

That's why Jimmy never stayed in the palace.

During the day, he would adventure in the village with Ben at his side. Sometimes a friend might join them.

"Scott, what do you think of this one?" Jimmy asked, showing a shell jewlery box.

"Why are you looking at that type of thing anyways? I never took you as someone who likes this kind of thing." Scott absently said, looking at the seashell necklaces and bracelets.

"I have jewlery, you aren't the only guy." Jimmy huffed, putting it down and looking at another one.

"Yeah, well, you never wear it." Scott points out.

"I don't need to wear it all the time to justify it, you know." Jimmy couldn't help but remember his mother dressing him up in jewlery those years ago. It was to make him look rich with all the solid gold and diamond rings and necklaces. Heck, he has an extensive collection of crowns. They lined one side of his walk in closet.

"Do you think this ring looks nice?" Scott asked, trying it on and showing it off to Jimmy.

For some reason, he felt his face heat up.

"It looks really nice on you. The pink of the shell compliments your skin tone." Jimmy said, pulling his scarf up to cover the bottom of his face.

"Aww, is little Jim embarrassed?" Scott asked, lightly tugging at the scarf.

"N-no! It's cold out here!" Jimmy defended.

"Keep telling yourself that." Scott put the ring back with a smile.

They left the shop making small purchases.

"Alright, where do you want to go next?" The cod hybrid asked the elf.

"Ooh, I heard there are some clothing stores that would match my style." Jimmy nodded his head, looking down the street.

"That one!" He pointed to shop on a corner. He had passed by the shop once, making note that it had the same color palette as Scott.

They made their way down to the shop, Ben following behind.

---

"So, when are you going to admit you have a crush on him?" Ben whispered in Jimmy's ear, causing the prince to glare with a light blush crossing his cheeks.

"I don't have a crush on him!" He muttered back.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that."

"Jimmy, does this look alright?" Scott asked, coming out of the fitting room.

Again with the stupid blush.

"I guess it looks alright." Jimmy shrugged, moving the scarf to his face again.

Scott was dressed in a seashell and coral dress that went to his knees. Ruffles made the skirt part lift up and when he twirled, it seemed to float. The majority of it was blue but the designs were in yellow and pink. He looked stunning.

"Whatever you say, Jimmy." Scott winked at him.

Jimmy swears he was ready to just faint on the spot in embarrassment.... and something else.

"I think I'm going to get this." Scott said, walking back into the changing room.

"Why not just wear it out?" Jimmy suggested quickly. Scott smirked at him. "I-I mean that if you like it so much, why not show it off?" He changed, wincing at his stutters.

"Sure, anything for you, sweetie."

---

They were in the palace gardens again, Jimmy placing the last of the shopping bags on a table (they were all Scott's bags since he tends to be an overshopper.) Instead of sitting at the table, like a normal person, Scott just layed back on the grass, looking at the sky.

Like the good friend he is, Jimmy joined him.

"Today was fun," Jimmy said, looking at the clouds.

"Yeah, I really enjoy hanging out with you." Scott quietly admitted. Jimmy turned on his side so he was facing Scott. The dress perfectly poofed out in the grass. He then noticed that he shivered slightly in the cold air.

"It's getting cold outside, do you want my coat?" He asked, already sitting up to take it off.

"I'm fine, Jimmy. I'm elven, it runs in my blood." He waves his hand absent-mindedly.

"No, I insist." Scott sat up and put the coat on with Jimmy's help. He looked warmer already.

"Thanks," he said, burying into the warmth.

Jimmy smiled back in reply.

---

Talking and talking later, they were still laying in the grass.

Both of them were facing each other, talking in hushed tones about anything that came to mind from flowers to the weather. And then-

"Sorry, I have to go." Scott grumbled, sitting up. Jimmy frowned.

"Already? We were having fun!"

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon." Scott walked towards the enterance of the palace.

"Wait!" Jimmy called, running after him. When he caught up, he pulled a box out of his pocket. He handed it over to Scott. "I was thinking about it."

Opening the box, Scott pulled out the seashell ring. He smiled.

"Thank you," he said, before putting it on. He then pulled off one of his other rings, one that had antlers on it. "Take this," he said, taking Jimmy's hand and slipping it on his finger.

"But I was just giving it to you as a gift, nothing more." Jimmy replied, going to take it off. Scott stopped him.

"Just think of it as a token of our friendship. Oh, here is your coat!" Scott unzipped the coat but Jimmy zipped it back up.

"It's still going to be cold outside. Just keep it." Scott nodded his head.

"Scott! Time to leave!" The elf looked towards his brother, nodding his head. Before he departed however, he hugged Jimmy quickly.

"See you soon, sweetheart." He said, pulling away and swiftly hiding his own face.

Jimmy looked down at the ring and smiled.

He had a fun day.

(Wait is letting him have a chapter to chill legal?)