He was Happy

Chapter One. Imee

Imee stood just outside of her home, sweeping a worn down broom along the cobbled walkway. Stopping for a moment, she leaned against the broom. She hated doing chores. It was all so boring, so tedious. She wanted more than this life. She didn't want to just sit back and become a housewife like every other woman around her. No, that wasn't the life for her and she was determined to break free from it somehow.

Sighing, she finally got back to the task at hand when she sensed her mother's piecing gaze.

"I was just resting for a moment." Imee excused.

Her mother said nothing, only tsking and shaking her head disapprovingly.

"Imee, no suitor will ever take you seriously if you keep behaving like this." Her mother, Olivette, chastised.

"And how exactly am I behaving mother?" Imee tossed back at her.

Their little spats were nothing new. As her 18th birthday approached, Imee became more and more stubborn and determined to not go down the path her family insisted on pushing her down.

"Like a little girl; complaining about doing the simplest of tasks. No one in their right mind would ever ask for your hand if you keep this up!" Olivette said bitterly. The anger and disappointment was ever clear in her eyes as she spoke.

"Well good because I don't want anyone asking for my hand, mother!" Imee yelled as she slammed the broom down. It landed with a thud.

"You insolent little girl," Olivette shook her head as she bent down to pick up the broom. "You will do your chores, you behave like a proper young lady and you will find a suitor."

"Never," Imee spat. She turned on her heels and stomped off in a huff.

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Filled with almost uncontrollable rage, Imee took off for a wooded area. Too upset to take her clothes off properly, she shifted into her wolf form and was on all fours. She let out a growl and took off through the fields. The wind blowing around her, and the grass hitting against her fur always soothed her. It was working. As she willed her legs to take her faster and faster, she felt her anger simmering down.

The sun began to fade and darkness was threatening to take claim over the sky. Imee turned around and headed back to her clothing only to find them in bits and pieces. She shook her head as she transformed back into human form.

"Imee, what are you going to do now?" She asked herself. As she looked around, she let out a grateful sigh that there were no witnesses. She crept low in the grass, hoping the green blades would shield her naked body.

Mother is sure to have a fit Imee thought. It brought a smirk to her face.

Across the field, off a short distance a figure was watching Imee curiously. He was debating on whether or not to approach her. She was no longer in her furry form, so she was harmless, or at least he hoped. He sighed and decided to make his way across after all.

Blanket in hand, he strolled slowly over to the girl crawling through the grass.

"Hi," he called out. He kept his distance so he wouldn't startle her or intrude upon her in her nude state.

Imee's breath caught in her chest as she froze.

Who was there?

For a moment, she thought it'd be best to just stay put; stuck in place hoping the other person would go away. She picked up their scent though and they were still ever present.

"What do you want?" She growled, contemplating shifting back into a wolf.

"I'm not here to harm you." He put up his hands in the air to show that he came in peace. The blanket was draped over his right shoulder and Imee snuck a peek at it.

"I just wanted to give you this..." He explained. He tossed the blanket over to her and it landed just within her reach.

Without stopping to question the kind deed, Imee reached out and grabbed the blanket. Quickly, she wrapped it around her and slowly rose to her feet.

"Thank you," she mumbled to the other person.

Glancing up at him, she noticed his small stature. He was so short, he was practically a dwarf. And that's when it hit her, he was a dwarf!

"You're welcome," He said with a smile. "My friends call me Happy, who are you?" He asked.

Imee was taken aback by his friendly nature. What was his angle? She wondered.

Looking him up and down once more, she figured he was no threat. After all what chance did he stand against her, a wolf?

"Imee. Imee Hunt." She replied.

"Hunt huh? Ironic..." Happy teased.

Before Imee could stop it, a smile spread across her face.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"I should be getting back, but stay safe out here." Happy advised.

"I'm always safe." Imee said defensively. Happy nodded and started to leave, when she called out to him.

"What's your real name?" She questioned.

"Patrick."

"Patrick..." she repeated softly.

"I'll see you around." She said finally.

Happy smirked before turning around again to leave.

Imee hugged the long blanket closer to her body and went in the opposite direction. Neither of them knew it yet, but they would cross paths again.

~Notes: So I was originally inspired by Once upon a time's Granny & Grumpy (with a mixture of his old identity, Dreamy). I've named him Happy in this story though. I've always thought they'd be good for one another. This is my twist on their relationship, but it takes place in the Enchanted Forest, way before the curse was even thought of. Other than character inspiration and a few dwarf names, nothing else is taken from the show. I hope you enjoy!!