Summary: Shunned by his village and called a delusion mare, James heads off to the forest to find the magical creature that can give him the stallion body he's always dreamed of. Unicorns are said to be vile, evil creatures, but desperation pushes him forward. In the end, he doesn't find the scary monster he'd been warned about his entire foalhood but something much more precious.

Every foal knew the stories of the unicorns. Of their fur the colour of bleached bone, skeletal bodies covered in pus filled sores, and eyes that seemed to peer into your very soul, a shade so red as if to be mistaken for pools of blood. Yes, James knew of these grotesque creatures as much as every horse did and feared them just like the rest of his kind had. So, the fact he was traipsing around the woods in search of one was definitely an oddity. But it wasn't as if he would be the first beast to be thrown into a dangerous situation out of desperation.

The very reason they were so feared was exactly why the young stallion was on the hunt for one in the first place: their magic. He'd heard countless tales of the incredible things they could do from razing mountains to immortality, but it was the stories of their shape-shifting capabilities that had him intrigued. His mother used to tell him of an extra hideous male unicorn that would transform himself into a beautiful mare and lure in unsuspecting travellers to his home where he would proceed to gobble them up whole. That tale in particular had been one of great interest to him and he'd spent much of his foalhood asking his mother to repeat it to him before bed. It wasn't until he was much older that he finally pieced together why he loved it so much..

As James got older, he realised he wasn't like the other horses in his village. No matter how often someone would say “You're a filly so act like one" he knew deep down that word simply didn't fit him. He may have had the parts of a filly but in his heart he was as much of a colt as any of the others. Sadly, no one else seemed to view him in the same way. 

“You're only confused," his mother would always say. “It's because you spent so much time roughhousing with the neighbour colts that it has your head messed up. Don't worry, you'll grow out of it."

But he never did 'grow out of it' and at twenty he was even more convinced of his stallionhood than ever before. Too bad nobody else was. His whole life he'd been told he just needed to put on a dress, find a good husband, and pop out a few foals and that these feelings he'd had his entire life were nothing more than the confused whimsy of a mentally ill mare. 

He wished more than anything that he could pack up and run away, head off to some place where nobody knew him and who saw him as the stallion he truly was. But he knew that wouldn't happen any time soon. He was too short, hips too wide, voice too high, face too soft…he was trapped in a body he could never change, every moment of his life a living nightmare, and there wasn't an ounce of empathy given from those around him. All he got from his fellow villagers were looks of either disgust or pity. He didn't know which he hated most. He was suffering and no one cared. He was sick of being brushed off, of getting only looks of disgust or pity. Things needed to change and it was on a night where he lay in bed, staring at the awful mounds on his chest, that he remembered the story of the transforming unicorn that his mother used to tell him. 

Instead of fearing or being horrified by the transforming creature, he envied it. He wanted nothing more than to be able to change his form on a whim. Then, while still looking at the body that disgusted him, he thought, why not? That wasn't the only thing he'd been told of unicorns growing up, also having heard many where they cast spells upon the average beast like himself. Normally they were curses, dooming the target to a lifetime of suffering, but on the odd occasion they would do something nice, but only if they were given a gift first. Coming from a poor family, James didn't really have all that much to offer. In the bag slung over his shoulder were several items of clothing and a small coin purse that contained all the money he owned in the world, meagre as it was. The clothes were just for him, though, as he didn't see the unicorn wanting his old trousers. No, he brought those along because, once he got his dream body, he was heading off to parts unknown and he needed at least a pair or two of clean underwear when he did so. 

No one in his family or village knew he'd left. He doubted they'd even care. He'd never had many friends due to being 'strange' and even his mother and father treated him like a burden. They looked after him because they had to, didn't want the neighbours gossiping about a neglected foal, but there had been no love in their eyes. His mother's stories about unicorns were the closest to fond memories he had of them and even then he suspected they were more cautionary tales to keep him in line. Don't finish all your dinner? A unicorn will break into your room at night and steal all your teeth. Wander too far away from home? Better be careful or a unicorn will catch you and gobble you up. Unicorns weren't the nicest beings out there so, at the end of his little adventure, he suspected in the end he'd either die or be turned away unchanged. He didn't know which outcome was worse.

As Jame wandered through the forest, he did his best to keep his eyes open and alert. He'd never been so far in before but he had no choice seeing as rumour was this was where the magical creatures liked to congregate. Truth was, rumours really were all he was going off of, with no real proof unicorns even existed outside of what older horses in his village had told and chances were they were just blowing smoke out their arses in order to scare young foals. This whole little journey was one great big shot in the dark. 

James had left in the early hours of the morning and now with the sun beating down on him, his brown coat slick with sweat, he figured it was time for a rest and to have some lunch. Too bad he'd forgotten to bring any. James cursed at his idiocy at having forgotten something as simple as food or even water. As he tried not to go into panic mode over being stuck miles away from a well stocked pantry, his ears perked up as they caught the all too familiar and distinct sound of running water. Finding himself suddenly re-energized, James started a trot that soon turned into a full on run, his tired hooves moving as fast as they could.

It wasn't long until he found himself in front of a stream and, with a sigh of relief, dropped his bag onto the ground and fell to his knees. He cupped his hands into the water and then brought it up to his lips, not realising exactly how parched he'd been until the cool, refreshing liquid ran down his throat. He was about to dunk his hands in again when he heard a voice akin to the soft tinkling of a bell say, “My, you're a thirsty one, aren't you?"

Jumping at the sudden noise, James looked up, eyes wide as he saw on the other side of the stream what could be best described as the most beautiful stallion he had ever seen. With a coat as white as fresh snow, a lithe, delicate figure, and amber eyes full of warmth, James couldn't help but stare slack-jawed at the being before him. His cheeks then proceeded to go a lovely shade of crimson when he realised the stranger wore nothing but a piece of purple material around his waist, a type of makeshift skirt, that went down only to his mid thigh. James did his best not to gawk at his shapely legs but was failing miserably.

“Um, h-hi," James clumsily stammered out.

The giggle he heard in return made his heart jump in his chest. “Yes, hello. My name's Aiden."

“I'm-" James paused for a moment. Exactly name was he supposed to tell him? The female one his parents had been calling him since birth, no matter how many times he begged them not to, or would he introduce him by the name he'd been mentally referring to himself since he was fourteen? It had taken a long time to find a name that fit just right and the idea of not using it made his chest ache in a way that, sadly, wasn't new to him. He suddenly felt incredibly exposed, every feminine feature of his amplified in a way too bold to hide. He wanted to wrap his arms around his chest, ridiculously hoping to flatten his breasts into extinction. 

Taking far too long a time to respond, the other horse said with a tilt of his head, “I can see you came to my forest for a reason. Tell me, stranger, what ails you?"

His forest? It was only then the young stallion noticed the long protrusion coming from Aiden's head. So enthralled by his beauty he hadn't even seen the very obvious horn that was now the only thing taking James' attention. His mouth grew dry once more as his legs beneath him felt like jelly. If he hadn't already been on the ground, that would have given out beneath him.. James opened and closed his mouth several times, looking more like a fish than a horse, then, with a shuddering breath he managed to squeak out, “You're a unicorn."

“So I am," Aiden said with a smile and a nod. “That pesky horn giving me away, is it?"

In a panic at meeting the fabled unicorn of his childhood, James found something yelling out, “Please don't eat me!"

“Eat you?" He placed a hand on his bare chest and gasped. “But you're nothing but skin and bones! You're barely a morself let alone a meal. Cooking you would simply be a waste of time and you're crazy if I eat anything raw. I may be a cannibalistic monster but I do have standards."

The way he spoke seemed downright jovial and James frowned as he said with a furrowed brow, “You're messing with me."

“What? Of course not. Haven't you heard the stories about my kind, stranger? We're quite brutal." He shot James a playful wink. 

He had no idea what to do. He didn't seem like a horrific horse beating beast but, then again, this light-hearted banter could all be an act to lull him into a false sense of security so that he could be easier to take down. He suddenly remembered the story from his youth that got him there in the first place, of a hideous unicorn transforming into a dazzling beauty. He made sure to keep his guard up. He still had a mission, however, and cautiously asked, “You live here?"

“Not at this stream, no, but my home isn't far from here," Aiden said as he pointed in a direction behind him.

“And you know magic?"

Pinching his thumb and index finger together, he told him, “A tad. Don't worry, I won't turn you into a frog or anything. I can't stand those slimy things." He did a comically over the top full body shudder.

“But you can turn things into other things, right?" James asked, doing his best not to sound desperate and failing miserably.  

“Well, I've been known to turn flour, milk, and sugar into an amazing cake." He licked his lips. “I also make a positively divine cheesecake. And my red velvet cupcakes? They bring kings to their knees!"

“That's not what I meant!" James snapped before he could stop himself. Fear ran through him as he realised maybe yelling at the powerful magical being wasn't the brightest of ideas and he found himself blathering out an apology of, “I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you."

“Yes you did." Aiden said with a blank expression. James' terror only grew at the idea he may have angered such a creature and wondered how much bowing and kissing his hooves he'd need to do in order not to be transformed into a woodlouse or something. The unicorn then sighed and, much to James' surprise, added, “And I deserved it. I'm sorry but it's just been so long since I've seen anyone that I wanted to have a little fun."

He then stepped forward, Jame's jaw dropping as his hoof stood gently atop the water's surface without breaking through. He continued to move towards him, gliding over the stream as if it were a simple road. When he reached the shocked James, he held out his hand and said, “Nice to meet you, by the way. Sorry but I don't think I caught your name."

Still in awe, the young stallion got onto his hooves, took his hand and gave it a shake. It was warmer than he expected. After all he'd heard about them, he'd thought his touch would bring a chill to him, cold like death. Instead, it felt like holding a warm cup of cocoa. Suddenly feeling more comfortable than he had since he entered the forest, he let out a smile as he said, “I'm James." Then he immediately went into panic mode upon realising what he'd just said. His very female looking self had told him his very male sounding name. 

He was surprised when Aiden didn't even bat an eye as he said, “Hello, James. So, what brings you to my forest? I don't get many visitors."

James frowned, brow furrowed in confusion. Completely skipping over his question, James asked his own of, “You're seriously okay with that? A mare using a stallion's name?"

“You're a mare, are you? Could've fooled me," he said, his own brow raised.

“I mean, no, I'm not a mare. Well, I am physically, but not emotionally.In my heart I'm really a stallion but everyone else doesn't agree with that and, I um-" His cheeks grew red when he realised he'd been rambling. They grew even brighter when Aiden let out a light little laugh.

“You don't need to worry so much, Aiden. This forest is a welcoming one for those of us that don't quite fit into the outside world. Besides, I could sense from the moment you stepped into its borders that you most certainly were no mare. Call it one of my many gifts." He shot him a wink.

Aiden's jaw clenched at his words. The implication that Aiden had been watching him this entire time was a little unnerving but more importantly was what he'd said about him not being a mare. Being acknowledged in such a way he never had before made him light headed. But, he needed to double check so asked, “And you're okay with me like this?"

“Would it change who you are if I wasn't?"

“No?"

Aiden gave him another smile but this time it looked more sad than his previous lighthearted ones. “You sound unsure of yourself. Is the opinion of a stranger really that important to you?"

“No!" He quickly snapped before pausing for a moment. “Maybe."

“You know, I think we should talk somewhere a little more comfortable. My home, perhaps?" He then turned around and began walking across the stream once more. Noticing James wasn't following him, he called over his shoulder, “Don't worry. It's pretty shallow. You won't drown."

He then sauntered off, disappearing among the trees. James stared at the water for a moment, thinking over whether he should follow the unicorn or not. Well, he'd come this far and, with a heavy sigh, waded through the stream's chilly waters. 

James hurried to keep up with Aiden, but no matter how fast he ran, the unicorn's back only seemed to grow farther and farther away. Then, with only a blink, he'd vanished, leaving James alone with the trees once more. He was beginning to hate the sight of green.

Unsure of where to go or what to do, James continued to walk forward in hopes of eventually coming across Aiden again. He couldn't have gone far, right? Then again, he could use magic so maybe he simply teleported away? Surely something like that would be possible? And if he could do that what else could he do? James' mind was swimming once more and he felt himself regretting coming here. Maybe he should have stayed home, told everyone the whole stallion thing was nothing more than a phase. Maybe he should just get married to some stallion his father chose for him, popped out a bunch of foals, and lived the rest of his days gossiping with the other housewives as he mended his children's clothes with a needle and thread. He then, one day, unable to take it all anymore, would proceed to gouge his own eyes out with said needle. His pace grew faster.

The trees started to thin out and hiis eyes grew wide when he saw something most peculiar come into vision, nearling tripping tail over hooves to stop in time before he slammed right into it. 

Before him stood a simple wooden door, wood aged and worn, no doubt having seen better days. The strange thing about it was that it wasn't attached to anything. No home or building of any kind, just a door on its own in the middle of the woods. He peered around it, wondering if maybe he'd see the old crumble remains of some structure it had once been attached to but he found nothing. The ground around it looks as though it had never been touched. He scratched the back of his head, further messing up his already dishevelled black mane. The door was odd, for sure, but he had more pressing matters to attend to, Namely, finding a certain unicorn. But before he could turn to leave, the door swung open, giving James enough of a fright that he yelped and fell backwards onto his rump.

A now all too familiar voice chirped, “I'm so sorry, James! Are you all right? Here, let me help you up."

James looked up to find the top half of Aiden's body sticking out from a strange rectangular wall made up of a mixture of various colours, creating the oddest sort of rainbow he'd ever seen. Surprised to say the least, it took him a moment to notice the unicorn was holding out a hand for him to take. He wanted to bolt for a second, turn tail and never look back, but upon remembering what he'd come for, he was sure a mysterious door wasn't going to be the weirdest thing he'd see that day. Trying to form a smile and not show how freaked out he really was, he took Aiden's hand and gave a, “Thank you very-woah!"

Aiden was strong for someone so scrawny and managed to pull James up onto his hooves without even trying. As if he hadn't just given the other stallion a hell of a fright via his monster strength, James smiled and said, “Well, come on in. We don't want the tea getting cold." He then disappeared back into the strange multi-coloured mess. 

James blinked for a moment. He wanted him to actually go iin there? He lifted a cautious arm and gave the door shaped…whatever it was…a small touch with the tip of his finger, breath catching in his throat as the colours rippled. Then, before he could think of what to do next, a white hand reached through, grabbed ahold of his wrist, and yanked him forward. The scream he let out was for sure not his proudest moment.

The colourful wall turned out to be a portal if the strange new place he was in was any indicator. Arms outstretched, practically beaming, Aiden said, “Welcome to my home! What do you think? I decorated it myself."

The floor had pink carpeting with only slightly lighter pink wallpaper covered in images of daisies. There were shelves strewn all about the place, holding somewhat normal things like decorations in the form of vases or small wooden statuettes of woodland animals. Meanwhile some of the other items were a little less average, being small bags filled with oddly smelling who-know-whats that tickled his nose from all the way across the room or  jars containing things he couldn't place and would rather not think about. All in all, the room was hideous and slightly terrifying.

“It looks great," James said with a crooked smile.

“Thanks! You know, some would say pink on pink is a bold choice but I think I pulled it off quite well. Now, come have a seat while I go get the tea."

He brought James to the middle of the room where a white and blue striped armchair with a matching square ottoman sat. Their legs looked like bird claws and on the back of the chair was what appeared to be a gryphon rearing on its hind legs. There was a small table in front of it that held delicate looking white tea cups and a kettle. All were adorned with blue roses. The strangeness of Aiden's taste had no bounds. 

“Here, come sit." Aiden paused before letting out an awkward chuckle. “Oh dear. Looks like I've only got the one chair. Sorry, I don't get many visitors. Oh, I know!"

His horn began to glow a faint purple and, before James' very wide eyes, the ottoman was lifted into the air, floating over the table to gently land on the other side. First a portal and now floating furniture? If he had any doubt Aiden was magic before, it was entirely gone now.

“Come, have a seat," he said as he placed a hand on the back of the armchair. 

“Um, thanks," James responded and sat down in the striped monstrosity. The thing may have been ugly as sin but it was incredibly comfortable. 

Aiden flopped down onto the ottoman across from him and, horn lighting up once more, lifted the teapot over the cups, filling each one with a strawberry pink liquid. It didn't look like any tea he'd ever seen before but he'd give it credit that it did match the room's aesthetic. A cup was then floated into each of their hands and James was left holding some strange mystery liquid that he wasn't quite sure what to do with. He watched as Aiden took a sip and, with a light hum, he said, “Absolutely heavenly."

A little less nervous that it was poison after seeing Aiden have a taste, he brought it up to his lips and took a drink. Hiis ears shot up as the taste hit his tongue. Brow furrowed and with a slight frown, he said, “This tastes exactly like the tea my grandmother used to make. But she never told anyone the recipe. How do you have it?"

“That's simple: I don't. What you're drinking is a special concoction I came up with that tastes exactly like the drinker's favourite beverage. Mine's exactly like hot chocolate with extra sugar and marshmallows." 

“Amazing," James whispered to himself. Then a little louder, he went, “Levitation, portals to other places, drinks that are unique to whoever's drinking them...is there anything magic can't do?"

Aiden shuffled in his seat as he gave an uncomfortable laugh. “That's something that's quite often discussed in magical circles, actually. In theory magic can do anything. In practice…"

He looked off to the side uncomfortably.. “You can't gain something from nothing. Every spell, every cantation, it has its price. And that price is typically life energy."

“Life energy?"

Aiden gave a small nod. “Every time I use magic, it takes a little bit off of my life. But us unicorns are so long lived that a few minutes, hours, even days, it means nothing to us. Then there are those shorter lived races such as yourself who are lucky to see eighty, who don't have enough years to do the far more extreme magic. I've seen so many kill themselves trying to obtain a goal that should simply be left alone. The truly terrible occurrences are from those who try to find loopholes." His expression grew dark. “There are worse things out there than dying, James."

“Like what?" he asked, breath catching in his throat.

Instead of answering his question, he said, “Magic can do amazing things, James, but they can also have terrible repercussions. You entered my forest for a taste of magic, didn't you? That's why most come here." He sounded a little sad at that last sentence.

James gave him a small nod.

“So, take all of this as a warning from a new friend and think hard about exactly what you want from me."

“I want you to make me a stallion," he said without a moment's hesitation. “I want you to make me a stallion and I'll do anything it takes."

“But aren't you already a stallion?" Aiden questioned with his head tilted. “After all, isn't something like that determined by your heart and not your form?"

James wanted to laugh. His whole life he'd had those around him, his family and community, tell him how wrong he was to feel the way that he did. He was born with mare parts and that meant he was a mare, end of discussion. It was strange to have the supposed monster of his foalhood to be the one to finally accept him. It was almost poetic in a cruel sort of way.

“How are you so okay with this? With me?" James asked.

“Let's just say I have some experience when it comes to not being accepted for who I am. You see, unicorns don't really breed the way the average beast does. No, insead we just sort of happen. Every hundred years or so, a mare, excited at the prospect of motherhood, gives birth to a creature that looks like a horse but that isn't quite right."

“Wait, so, your parents were normal horses? Like mine?"

“Yes, I was born to normal parents with normal siblings and lived in a normal village. Everything about my upbringing should have been the peak of average. If it weren't for this, that is," he said, pointing to his horn. “I was told my parents were quite well liked among their peers once, not that I'd know, seeing as they became the ultimate pariahs after I was born."

“Were things difficult between you and your family? Um, if you don't mind me asking."

“It wasn't easy, that's for sure!" He laughed but it was a hollow sound. “While I don't think my parents ever outright despised me, they weren't the warmest towards me, either. At times I felt like an outsider in my own home. It's no surprise I left when I turned eighteen. I wanted to go on a grand adventure, to find myself, and hopefully others who wouldn't care about the horn. The villagers always used to stare at me, you know. They weren't exactly subtle about it and they never bothered to keep quiet when talking about me. It was almost as if they wanted me to hear."

James' ears flattened against his head as he recalled how his neighbours would whisper and point whenever he'd walk by. He could practically feel the bile rising in his throat. After a sharp intake of breath to try and calm himself, he asked, “And did you find it? A place where you where they didn't care you were a unicorn, I mean."

“I live in the middle of the woods by myself. You tell me."

“O-oh." James thought for a moment then said, “What about your parents? Do you ever think about going back to them?"

“My parents died hundreds of years ago, James. The village I grew up in doesn't even exist anymore. There really is no one and nowhere for me to go back to."

“I'm sorry," was all James could think of to say. 

He was amazed at how quickly his views of Aiden had shifted in only a day. When he'd woken up that morning he thought he'd find a disgusting monster ready to curse him if he made even the smallest misstep. But in the end all he found was a sad, lonely creature, who was still friendly and welcoming despite it all. James looked down at the still steaming cup in his hands, wondering how many Aiden had been able to share this with.

“But enough about my sob story," Aiden said with a wave of his hand. “What was this about you wanting a stallion's body?"

James paused for a moment. He felt a little strange going back to his problem after the somewhat intense reveal of Aiden's less than joyous past. But he had come here for this exact reason so, gathering himself back up once more, he said, “Can you do it? I've heard unicorns only do favours for others in exchange for gifts. I'll give you anything, everything I have."

“And what exactly do you have?"

James opened his satchel, taking out his small coin purse. “It's not much but this is all the money I have." He tried to hand it over to the unicorn but all he got in exchange was a frown and a shake of his beautiful, white head.

“I'm sorry but I really have no need for money. Everything I need I can make for myself. Food for example. I have the most wonderful vegetable garden out back. Maybe I can show it to you later? Oh, and don't forget my clothes. You see this skirt?" He tugged on the hem of the purple material around his waist. “I found some absolutely gorgeous flowers this exact shade on a walk one day and with one little motion of my horn they were this gorgeous skirt."

 “Um, why exactly are you wearing a skirt?"

“Because if I wasn't then I'd be naked, silly," he said with a giggle. “And I don't think that's something either of us want. Unless there's something else you're not telling me?"

James felt a heat rise to his cheeks as he swore there was a glint of something in Aiden's eyes at his words. With a mental shake of his head, he said, “N-no, I mean, you're a stallion but you're wearing a skirt. Why?"

“Why does someone do anything? Because they want to. I don't see myself as a mare but I do find they have the loveliest clothes and every now and again like to indulge in a little makeup or a cute dress. It's simply how I am."

“And you don't care what others might think of you?"

“What others? You're the first horse to stumble across my domain in a very long while. I don't get many visitors and those that do stop by, well, my clothes are the last thing on their mind."

“Ah, right, that makes sense." James' ears perk up when he remembered what Aiden had said. “Wait, so, you turned some flowers into clothing? Does that mean you really can transform other things? You can turn me into a stallion?"

“Oh, most definitely. It wouldn't even be that difficult. After all, it's not as if you're asking to be turned into an entirely different species or anything. All you really need are a few tweaks here and there and we have ourselves a stallion."

James felt a rush at being told his one true desire for the vast majority of his life was actually obtainable. He wondered how long it would take. Would it be a gradual change over a few days? Maybe all Aiden had to do was flick his wrist and he'd have the baritone of his dreams? And would it hurt? Well, if it did, he'd simply have to suck it up and take it. Besides, it's not as if it could hurt anymore than what he'd already been through.

“But if you don't want money then what can I give you?" he asked as he rubbed the back of his neck. “My family isn't rich and outside the clothes off my back I really don't have much."

Aiden seemed to think before he asked, “May I ask a question, James? Exactly where do you plan on going, what do you plan on doing, if you do get the body you so desire?"

James' gaze fell down to his hooves. “I want to move far away where nobody knows me. I want to start fresh." He let out a soft chuckle. “Honestly, running away to a magical forest doesn't sound all that bad."

Aiden's lips grew into a thin line. He then leaned forward and told him, “The truth is, James, I don't need anything from you to grant your wish. Some unicorns insist on a payment but you seem like a nice young stallion and taking something from you when I don't need it just doesn't sit right with me. I will give you what you want entirely for free. I do, however, have an offer."

James was on the edge of his seat, nearly vibrating with excitement at being told he would not only get his transformation but that it was completely free. “What is it? If there's something you need help with then just name it. I'll do whatever you need."

“Will you even stay here with me?" Aiden's voice was quiet, meak, and for a moment James was confused. Why would he want him to stay? Did he need a servant to cook his meals and clean his home? No, he could take care of all of that with magic, couldn't he? Then why? He stared at his face, looking for answers, and there, in his eyes, he found it. The pure loneliness there was palpable. He didn't want someone to sweep his floors, he wanted a friend. 

James' face broke out into a big smile as he said, “Well, it's not like I have anywhere else to be."

Sweat trickled down James' broad, bare back as he brought the axe down with enough force to split the wood in two. Impressed with the pile of timber he'd accumulated so far, he was about to bend down and start picking it all up when a cheery voice sang, “Sweetie, you nearly done? Lunch is ready."

“Alright, Aiden, I'll just wash up and then we can eat," James said, eager to have a taste of his partner's amazing potato stew. He could put the wood away later.

Aiden hopped over and clung onto James' muscular arm. He pressed himself against his large frame and said, “You really don't have to do this yourself, you know. My magic could take care of it in an instant."

“I know but I like to help around somehow. Hey, since you made lunch, how about I make dinner?"

“Not after the casserole incident, sweetie. You can help me with the garden later, though. The tomatoes look nice and ripe, ready for picking."

James chuckled, his voice deep and low. “Garden duty it is, then." He leaned down and placed a kiss atop the unicorn's white mane, right behind his signature horn.

Aiden began tugging James along. “Come on, we don't want it getting cold." And off they went towards the portal of their shared home.