Butchubbles: How a Thief Dances

Butchubbles; How a Thief Dances


Princess Bubbles sat in her private chambers, reading a book about rabbits, while listening to the gala that was underway in the castles ballroom.
While she was glad to have some time to herself, she couldn't help but feel guilty. After all, she had lied through her teeth about feeling ill so as to avoid attending said gala, where her arranged fiancé, Prince Brick, was attending as a guest.

'Well, at least my little brother is sure to enjoy himself,' Bubbles thought, her mind drifting to her, younger by a full hour, twin brother, Prince Boomer.
He and Prince Brick had become fast friends. She couldn't help but smile at how adorable her brother was whenever he was having fun. Bubbles sighed and plopped down on her bed, feeling unmotivated to read her book any further.

Sure, being a kingdoms Princess had plenty of ups; The best food, clothes, furnishings and medical care around, but there was also the downs; All the boring lessons, homework, having a governess glaring over her shoulder and ensuring she behaved "like a lady of class," and rarely being allowed to make her own choices.

Bubbles was brought out of her doldrums by a faint creaking noise and the soft sounds of padded footsteps. She bolted up into a sitting position, fear coursing it's way through her system.

"Come on, it's gotta be around here somewhere," came a raspy voice, followed by the sound of rummaging.

"...Huh?" Bubbles whispered to herself.

"'Go to the castle,' he says. 'There'll be PLENTY of gold there,' he says. Never bothers to actually tell me exactly WHERE the gold is. It's a friggin' castle, I could be here for days."

'There's a thief in the castle! And in my chambers!' Bubbles thought to herself, 'I can't let him rob us! But what can I use?'

Her eyes then fell on the dictionary that had been given to her for studying.

"Lousy Irish prick," the thief muttered, "last time I ever do a job for-" he said as a heavy dictionary was slammed down on his skull, sending him spiraling into unconsciousness.

When he woke up, the thief found himself with a splitting headache and his body crudely tied to a chair with curtains.

"Well, this is happening," he muttered.

"Who are you? And why did you try to steal from my family?" Bubbles asked, sternly.

"And why should I tell you anything?" The thief asked before the blonde Princess threateningly raised the dictionary over her head, promptly changing his mind.

"My name's Butch," he answered.

"And why were you sneaking around my family's castle?" Bubbles asked.

"I was offered a job and was promised I could keep half of the gold I stole."

"Why would you try to steal our gold?"

"Because I'm a thief, and I gotta eat somehow. Food, clothes, a roof to sleep under, alla dat takes money," Butch explained.

After a moment of thought and consideration of the thief called Butch's words, Bubbles walked over to her bedside where a tray of food had been left.

"Here," she said, carrying an apple over to Butch and holding it out to him.

Butch gave the Princess a confused look. "That's an apple."

"I know," Bubbles said, letting out a small sigh of exasperation, "eat it."

"...I kinda need my hands to eat an apple," Butch added, emphasizing the fact by pulling against the curtains.

Bubbles walked around and behind Butch, eyeing him suspiciously as she began to untie the curtains. Once she was done, the thief slowly rose out of the chair, taking the apple and raising it to his lips, which, much to her surprise, Bubbles found herself staring at. 

"Thanks," Butch said, before biting into the apple. 

"You're welcome," Bubbles replied, allowing herself another fleeting glance upon the thief's figure. 

Once Butch had finished the apple, he stood up.

"I should probably leave," he said.

"Yes...I suppose so," Bubbles nodded, the sound of violins, cellos and flutes drifting into the air.

But as Butch made his way to the window, he stopped upon hearing the bands tune.

"Is something wrong?" Bubbles asked.

"I know this melody. My father played it for me when I was little, and my mother and I would dance to it," the thief practically whispered.

"A thief who can dance?" The Princess asked, skeptically. 

"You don't believe me?" Butch inquired, walking back towards Bubbles. 

"I'd be hard-pressed to," she answered. 

"Well, then. May I have this dance?" He asked  taking her hand in his. 

"Very well," Bubbles sighed, "if only for proof." 

"Happy to oblige," Butch smirked, placing a hand on her waist and guiding her along the floor to the melodic hum of the strings.

'Fluid movement, well-paced steps, focused on me...perhaps he's telling the truth,' the Princess thought as she and the thief swung slowly around, becoming more and more absorbed into the dance. 

Bubbles found herself closing her eyes as she listened to the music coming from down below, how she could just lose herself into dance. However, she felt puzzled when she felt something pressed against her lips. 
Opening her eyes, she found, much to her surprise, that she and Butch were kissing.

Their eyes widening and their faces turning crimson, the two quickly pulled away from each other, shuffling awkwardly.

"I, um..." Bubbles trailed off, rubbing her arm.

"Sorry," Butch muttered, rubbing his neck.

"I was..." The Princess said.

"Caught up in the moment?" The thief asked, earning a simple nod in response.

 "Well, I should get going," Butch said, heading back for the window. 

"Could you come back again, sometime?" Bubbles asked, her face full of hope. 

"...Sure," Butch smiled softly, and left.