A classic TinnGun Cinderella AU

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Once upon a time, there was a beautiful kingdom known as Eldermere. Eldermere was believed to be a place where dreams came true, and hope was woven into the very fabric of the land. Love was as common as the gentle breeze that rustled through the fields, and granaries were forever filled to the brim with golden wheat.

Today was another vibrant morning in the realm of Eldermere. The sun cast its golden rays over the lush landscapes, creating a picturesque scene that had defined this kingdom for centuries. Eldermere was renowned as a happy, vibrant place, steeped in history and tradition since the Jirawathanakuls had established their ancestry. It was under their benevolent rule that Eldermere had flourished during its Golden Age, a time that resembled Paradise on Earth.

Amidst this idyllic kingdom lived a young man named Gun. He was known throughout Eldermere for his kindness, grace, and striking beauty. However, Gun's life was far from a fairy tale. Orphaned at a young age, he was forced to live with his wicked stepsisters and stepmother in a small cottage on the outskirts of the kingdom. Despite the hardships he endured, Gun's spirit remained unbroken, and he clung to the belief that someday his life would improve.

As soon as the morning sun bathed the kingdom in warmth and light, Gun busied himself with his daily chores. He scrubbed the floors, tended to the animals, and worked tirelessly to make the cottage a home for his ungrateful family. His only solace came from the stories of love and magic that he overheard in the streets of Eldermere.

Little did Gun know that destiny had something extraordinary in store for him on this particular morning. In the heart of Eldermere, within the opulent walls of the royal palace, Prince Tinnaphob faced a dilemma of his own. He was a young man of unparalleled charm and grace, admired by all who knew him. However, despite the endless stream of suitors vying for his attention, Tinnaphob had yet to find true love.

Years ago, when Gun was just five years old and his parents were still alive, he had a chance encounter with Prince Tinnaphob. They met in the heart of the lush forest that surrounded Eldermere. Gun, with his cherubic face, toothy grin, and sparkling eyes, had captured Tinnaphob's attention.

They spent hours playing together, their laughter echoing through the trees. But as the sun set, knowing they had to part ways soon, a mist of sadness fell upon them. The golden and orange sunrays that peeked through the forest trees and the serene atmosphere made both of their hearts ache at the thought of separation.

"It was nice meeting you," Tinnaphob bowed down charismatically, his extensive royal etiquette lessons giving him an advantage.

Little Gun awkwardly bowed back. "What's your name?" he asked the Prince.

"Tinnaphob. The first of my name," the Prince answered. "What's yours?" he asked in return.

Before little Gun could answer, his mother called out, "Kid, come back here!" from a distance, implying that their playtime was truly over.

"Goodbye, Tinn!" Gun hurriedly greeted and ran through the crunching leaves. Poor Tinnaphob couldn't recall the name of his first friend. He stood there until the royal soldiers found him and brought him back to the castle.

The young Prince couldn't plead with his father, fearing punishment for sneaking out of the castle that day. However, he never forgot his friend and the rare freedom and happiness he experienced that day. He wished he could meet him someday.

Back in the present, the kingdom's grand masquerade ball was just days away. The ball was an opportunity to arrange a marriage for Prince Tinnaphob with a royal or aristocratic family's daughter, potentially benefiting the kingdom's growth and development. However, Tinnaphob dreaded the event. He longed for a genuine connection, not just empty compliments and flattery that would result in a marriage of convenience. He yearned for a marriage filled with love and understanding, like the one his parents had.

With a heavy heart, he gazed out of the palace window, his thoughts filled with the desire to find someone who would love him for who he truly was, not just for his royal title.

On that fateful morning, as Gun worked tirelessly at his chores, he hoped with all his heart that he would get to attend the evening ball. He had even retrieved his late father's wedding suit and secretly cleaned it to wear for the occasion. He had tried it on late at night and concluded that it didn't look half as bad on him as he had expected. It was at least better than all those tattered and worn-out shirts he had. It would be the first time he would meet Tinnaphob after their encounter in the forest ages ago. He had silently observed how the little Prince grew up, celebrating dazzling birthdays each year. He had fallen in love with him, knowing that a romantic relationship between them was impossible.

Gun's dream of attending the royal ball, however, was shattered when his stepmother Ploy and stepsisters Mai and Min discovered his plan. The moment they saw Gun descending the stairs in that suit, they went into hysterics, accusing him of betrayal and cruelty for not seeking their permission. They heartlessly ruined his late father's old suit and shirts, leaving him with nothing suitable to wear. Gun was devastated, unable to fulfill his dream of meeting the love of his life, Prince Tinnaphob.

In his moment of despair, a magical presence descended upon the kingdom. An enchanting fairy godmother, known as Khun Gim, appeared in Eldermere. She had heard whispers of Gun's unwavering kindness and the hardships he endured. With a wave of her wand, Khun Gim decided to intervene, determined to change the course of Gun's life.

The fairy godmother appeared, her presence like a shimmering mirage. With a warm smile, she extended her hand and produced a bowl filled with shaved ice topped with colorful flavors.

"You will go to the ball, Gun luuk, and live your dream. Don't cry, just enjoy some shaved ice while I fix everything," she spoke kindly, reminding Gun of his mother. He hugged Khun Gim, sobbing with gratitude. It had been so long since someone had been genuinely kind to him.

After Gun calmed down and finished his shaved ice, the fairy ushered him to his feet. With a snap of her fingers, the empty bowl vanished into thin air. Gun looked at her with silent curiosity, and she continued to work her magic, transforming Gun's tattered clothes into a magnificent suit made of the finest silk and his worn-out shoes into sparkling glass ones.

In awe, Gun looked at his reflection in a full-length floating mirror that the fairy had conjured, hardly recognizing himself. Gim gave him a cheeky smile in response to his amazement.

She then conjured a grand carriage pulled by a team of white horses and instructed Gun to make his way to the royal palace.

"Remember, you must return home before midnight. The magic wears off by then. Until midnight, you can live your life the way you want," Gim smiled, gently patting Gun's shoulder.

"Thank you," Gun answered breathlessly. It all seemed too good to be true. If this was a dream, he never wanted to wake up from it. "Will I ever see you again?"

"Maybe," Gim answered, "you will if you face a dead end in the future, little Gun. Now go, you're running late!"

Gun walked up to the carriage, looking back at Gim. She nodded reassuringly, and that was all the encouragement he needed to board the magical carriage.

The news of the mysterious arrival of a handsome stranger quickly reached Prince Tinnaphob, piquing his curiosity. He eagerly awaited the stranger's arrival. When Gun entered the palace, he was met with gasps of amazement. He moved with grace and elegance, leaving everyone in awe. His enchanting presence drew every eye in the room, including that of Prince Tinnaphob.

The Prince couldn't recognize that the mysterious handsome stranger was none other than the beautiful forest boy he had met in his childhood due to a magical enchantment. However, he was equally captivated by Gun.

Their eyes met across the crowded ballroom, and in that moment, time seemed to stand still. Prince Tinnaphob finally made up his mind to approach Gun, captivated by his beauty and grace.

Extending his hand, he bowed, "May I have the honor of this dance?"

Gun found himself blushing furiously, taking his hand, "I would be delighted, Your Highness."

They danced together under the glittering chandeliers, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, as if they had known each other for a lifetime. They started talking after a few moments, for the Prince found himself unable to stop himself from getting curious about the other.

At some point, Gun smiled and said, "I've never experienced a night like this, Your Highness. It's as if I'm living a dream."

Prince Tinnaphob's heart shook at the shining eyes of Gun. Gazing into Gun's eyes, he confessed, "I couldn't agree more. You are unlike anyone I've ever met."

As the night wore on, Gun and Prince Tinnaphob found themselves in a secluded garden, bathed in moonlight. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, their hearts opening up to one another. They discovered shared dreams and desires, and a deep connection blossomed between them.

Gun shared his dreams about a world where kindness and love prevailed, where people were judged by their hearts, not their titles. Prince Tinnaphob found himself sharing the same dream. He longed for a love that transcended society's expectations.

Gun sang songs in his mellow voice, making the Prince fall for him. He liked his voice, the Prince had decided after Gun finished the third song of the night. Tinnaphob's heart fluttered when he saw how Gun preened when he praised his singing.

Gun was so entranced by the magical night with the one he loved that he lost track of time. When the clock struck midnight, Gun's rose-colored glasses shattered to the ground. The realization that the happy times were over hit him like a burst of monsoon rain.

He had to leave before his magical transformation wore off.

"Tinn," Gun began, missing how Tinnaphob's eyes widened at the name, "I should go! Farewell!"

"No, wait, what's your-" The Prince tried to hold him back, but it was of no use.

Gun fled the palace as fast as he could, gliding across the dance floors, down the stairs, and out the palace doors. The guards tried to stop him on the Prince's orders, but they failed to do so. By the time the Prince ordered the main gates to be closed, Gun had already left the palace.

However, Gun made a mistake. He left behind a single glass slipper as the only clue to his identity.

Every memory came crashing down on Tinnaphob with that one word, 'Tinn.' He couldn't believe that he had actually met the boy from his childhood and danced with him throughout the night. It felt so much like a dream, yet it was very real and very true.

The boy from his childhood had grown even more beautiful, and Tinnaphob immediately regretted not taking action to find him sooner. A newfound determination sprang up within him to locate the enchanting stranger who had captured his heart.

The very next morning, he ordered a kingdom-wide search for the owner of the glass shoe, declaring that he would marry the one it fit. Suitors from far and wide came to the palace, but none could wear the slipper.

One day, the Prince found himself in a remote part of Eldermere, near the edge of the forest where he had once played as a child. As he wandered through the woods, he came across a small, seemingly untouched cottage-the last house in the kingdom.

The bricks were beautifully red, and violet flowers adorned the entrance and the roof. He ordered his general to follow his previous instructions. The general knocked on the door, which opened after a few moments, revealing Khun Ploy in her bright jade-colored dress.

"His Royal Highness is here for the search, Khun Ploy," he bowed subtly in respect.

Ploy, Min, and Mai couldn't contain their excitement, but their joy was short-lived when none of them could fit the shoe. The Prince's disappointment was even greater. The results left him with no choice but to abandon the search and move on with his life.

As he walked out of the house, he heard a faint humming-a voice that seemed strangely familiar. He stopped in his tracks, making his company do the same.

Turning on his heels, Prince Tinnaphob inquired, "Khun Ploy, is there anyone else residing in this house?"

Seemingly taken aback, Ploy hesitated but nodded, "we have a servant here." She contemplated for a while before blurting out, "but he didn't go to the ball, so I don't think he needs to try the shoe, Your Highness."

"Everyone needs to try it on," he said, "please ask him to try it on as well."

Gun entered the living room timidly in his worn-out garments, devoid of the magical enchantments that had transformed him at the ball.

Prince Tinnaphob's eyes widened in recognition. He knew this face-the almost cherubic features, the sparkling eyes. His facial features were uncannily similar to those of the boy from his childhood. The boy he had played with in the forest, the one he had never forgotten. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning, and he found himself unable to suppress the smile threatening to spill out.

Gun shuffled while trying on the shoe, which undoubtedly fitted him perfectly. Prince Tinnaphob couldn't hold back his smile any longer. "So, it's you! The boy from the forest and the masquerade ball."

Gun's eyes widened in surprise, a huge smile spreading across his lips in an instant. "You remember?"

Prince Tinnaphob nodded, "How could I forget? You were my first friend, and now you've captured my heart."

Gun grinned, blushing, his naturally pink cheeks reddening.

Tinnaphob almost cooed at the sight but quickly restrained himself. "Can I know your name?"

"Gun Gunthaphon Wongwithaya."

"Gun," Tinnaphob felt a huge relief uttering his name. It was as if the name breathed life into him. He held out his hand, "Gun, will you marry me?"

Gun nodded immediately without missing a beat, "Yes, I will marry you, Tinn!"

Tinnaphob, Gun's Tinn, immediately enveloped him in a hug, ignoring the claps and complaints from his company and Gun's family.

With a sense of destiny fulfilled, Tinn and Gun's love blossomed anew. They were reunited, not as strangers at a grand ball, but as two souls who had crossed paths in childhood and were destined to be together.

Prince Tinnaphob and Gun's love story thrived, reminding everyone that true love knew no bounds in the vibrant realm of Eldermere, where happiness reigned for centuries to come.

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I am also going to post this on my AO3 account. The link to the account is in my bio!!😊💖