Chapter Text
<*$$*\*/ whispered to Callahan: do you have everything ready?
Callahan whispered to <*$$*\*/: I do. He's recovered enough to walk around the server again.
<*$$*\*/ whispered to Callahan: good, meet me at this location
Coordinates appeared in his head, coordinates he quickly wrote down.
Callahan whispered to <*$$*\*/: as soon as his SO has finished handing out his gifts, I'll bring them both. You may need to meet us there with Puffy.
<*$$*\*/ whispered to Callahan: Will do, She won’t be hard to find
Callahan whispered to <*$$*\*/: alright. Thank you again for your help. He really needs this getaway.
<*$$*\*/ whispered to Callahan: It’s no problem, I’m glad I could help ^^
From where he sat atop the Nether Quartz mansion, Callahan leaned back with a smile. He’s glad he began searching for a safe place for the couple to go. After everything that’s happened, he feels like they deserve this little comfort.
Especially Skeppy.
Callahan vanished with a quick snap of his fingers, leaving no evidence he was ever there.
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Skeppy flinched and turned to the zombie shuffling towards him at the sound of its gurgle. He wasn’t able to reach for his sword before he watched it suddenly fly at the cave wall behind it with a deep, guttural growl from the demon beside him. The diamond shivered at the sight of it exploding upon impact before dissolving into particles. Skeppy glanced at his beloved demon worriedly.
“You don’t have to keep doing this, Bad…” He said, gaining the demon’s attention. “I know I was c-cracked, but that doesn’t mean you have to resort to this level on regular mobs…”
With a gentle purr, Bad leaned down to press a kiss against his boyfriend’s forehead apologetically. “Sorry, love… I can’t help it when they go for you. I just don’t wanna see you get hurt again…”
“I know, Bad.”
Skeppy stood on his toes to press a kiss against Bad’s lips, a kiss that was returned happily with a soft purr. He smiled softly, not realizing he was starting to purr as well. Pulling away from the kiss, the pair continued mining for diamonds.
Bad made sure that his diamond couldn’t see his pickaxe. After what had happened, Skeppy could no longer bear to look at one ever again. He couldn’t even look at his own when Bad tried to give it back without wanting to violently vomit. But he needed diamonds and neither were ready to be apart yet, so not long after Ponk had cleared Skep to go outside again, they started going into the mines to get more together. Luckily, Skeppy technically didn’t need his pickaxe and could instead use his hands after turning them diamond. It was slower than a pickaxe, but it was more comfortable for him. That’s all that Bad cared about.
Gradually, Bad’s mind started to wander as he mined.
The demon needed diamonds for one reason; the Egg was still a problem. According to what he’s heard from the others, the Blood Vines are slowly starting to spread without any help. Even when they cleared out one patch, more appeared elsewhere. It thankfully wasn’t as much as when they had helped it, but the fact it continued to spread was far too concerning. Not only that, but they can only put so much obsidian on it before it began consuming one of the few barriers they knew worked. It didn’t help that those affected by it began feeling it trying to claw its way back into their heads, faintly calling to them as it worked its way through the obsidian. They’ve long since quarantined it off using holy water, but none of them knew how long that would last. Even Bad could feel that too much exposure to the Egg was starting to weaken the effectiveness of the blessed armor and holy water from Church Prime. He felt like he barely made it to the church last time.
So he began researching for any possible solution. Carrying Skeppy in a sling, he tore through all the ancient books he could get his clawed hands on. Bad didn’t know how old the Egg was, so any ancient book was free game, from those with the scent of a well aged book to ones that almost felt like they’d crumble to dust if he wasn’t careful. He read through each of them day in and day out while still remembering to take care of his boyfriend (not so much himself though as Skeppy had to keep reminding him to eat). After a long, intense, and somewhat painful reading session, he finally found one.
It was the oldest book he’s had in his family for generations. An ancient book of old demon spells that have been around since as long as his kind could remember. Contrary to what many believe nowadays, not all of their spells are exactly destructive in nature. Some could heal - not scars though, he’s already tried that one on his precious diamond - some involved harmless actions with souls, but the one he was more focused on was the ancient protection spell. It couldn’t stop any physical damage, but it could prevent others things from reaching whoever it was attached to.
With the spell in hand and with permission from Skeppy, Bad had carved the spell into his necklace and headed to the Egg room with the others. Puffy, Ant, and Ponk were wearing the blessed armor while Sam, Sapnap, and Skeppy were armed with buckets of holy water. After a quick nod from Bad, Puffy removed a single block of obsidian from the Egg, her eyes squeezed shut as she did as she couldn’t look at herself doing this. The demon flinched when it was lifted and braced himself, only to feel a warmth flow through him as Egg tried to claw its way into his head. The voice was immediately silenced and the uncomfortable prying was lifted. He tried to glance down at his necklace, but it was Sam who pointed out that it was glowing as if enchanted.
The spell had worked. Now he had to ensure everyone else’s safety. Admittedly, it would’ve been easier to just cast it on them, but after everything that’s happened, Bad wanted to make it more personal. He wanted to give everyone who helped a gift. Bad had gathered something from everyone and used the diamonds he had left to get to work. He ran out quickly as he didn’t have much left after making his gift for Skeppy. That was what led him and Skeppy to being in the mines to gather more.
Bad flinched out of his thoughts when he felt arms wrap around his waist from behind.
“You’re thinking too much again.” Skeppy said as he leaned his forehead against his back.
“Ah- sorry, ‘Geppy. Did you say anything? Did I ignore you? I’m sorry if I did, I-”
“Bad.”
He closed his mouth and looked down at his diamond who lifted his head to stare up at him. His eye wasn’t as bright as it used to be and he could still see the fear and pain he felt, but the love, hope, and joy still shined through.
“You’re ok. You didn’t ignore me. I just know you too well to know that when you’re silent, something’s on your mind.”
Bad gave a small chuckle before turning to Skeppy fully and scooping him up, purring when he felt him melt in his arms almost immediately. His tail wagged when he both heard and felt his diamond purr back. Gem hybrids don’t typically purr, but when you’ve been around a couple of demons for as long as Skeppy has, you’re bound to pick up some of their habits without even realizing it. He doesn’t even think Skeppy’s noticed he’s purring.
“Did you find a good vein before helping me out of my thoughts, Muffin?”
“Mhm.”
“How many?”
Bad could almost hear Skeppy think as he counted in his head. Perhaps it was time to head home with what they’ve got.
“Mmm… I think I found a 7 vein. Maybe? Yeah, yeah, it was-” Skeppy paused to yawn, “it was a 7 vein…”
“Aww. You tired, Skeppy?”
Skeppy tried to shake his head, but the tired movements didn’t lie. Bad cooed before retrieving the sling he had begun wearing to more easily cradle his beloved as well as the new headbox. He paused to pout at it. It looked almost exactly like Skeppy’s old one, save for the fact there was a large black x over where the eye hole for his right eye used to be. It was a design choice by Skeppy.
A reminder of his greatest mistake…
Skeppy leaned up to press a kiss against the demon’s cheek. “Bad, stop… I know that look… What happened wasn’t your fault… You know I don’t blame you…”
“I know,” Bad responded, burying his face into the hybrid’s hair, “I know you don’t…”
“Repeat after me. ‘It wasn’t my fault.’”
“It… It wasn’t my fault…”
The diamond reached up to cup the demon’s face, gently rubbing his thumb against his cheek. “Again, Bad.”
“It wasn’t my fault…”
“Again.”
“It wasn’t my fault…”
Skeppy adjusted himself in Bad’s arms and curled up, nuzzling into his chest.
“You can’t keep blaming yourself for this, Diamond. When are you gonna see Puffy yourself?”
Bad didn’t answer. He just awkwardly tied the sling on while still holding him and adjusted it before carefully placing Skeppy inside it, handing him his headbox. With a sigh, the hybrid accepted it and handed him all the diamonds he had gathered to add to the ones his boyfriend had.
“Later.” Was all Skeppy said as he put on his headbox and adjusted his scarf.
He just nodded as he put everything away. Bad did want to see Puffy, but he felt like Skeppy needed her more. The irrational part of his brain didn’t want to feel like he was hogging her no matter how much the rational part was screaming at him that he wouldn’t be.
Holding his precious diamond close, Bad began humming “You are my sunshine” gently to Skeppy as he carried him out of the cave. The song seemed to help lull the diamond into a dreamless sleep on multiple occasions. They weren’t entirely sure why, but if it helps him not have any nightmares, he wasn’t gonna complain. As the pair exited the cave into the starry night, Bad counted the amount of diamonds they collected. It was more than enough for everyone, even that shark Totem that Puffy had adopted, Foolish Gamers.
Foolish was nice. Pretty chill too. Even when Bad had greeted him with a snarl at him getting close to him and Skeppy, he just kinda smiled and gave them some space. He even gave Bad a couple of diamonds he mined to help him with his gifts. Bad’s slowly getting to a point where he feels like he can lower his guard around his diamond. Doesn’t hurt that he’s immune to the Egg, literally the first thing he checked after meeting him.
The mobs of the night around the pair kept their distance, afraid of the dark energy the demon was giving off as he headed home with his diamond. Bad shot a glance at a couple of nearby Creepers watching, something that sent them running.
Good.
They’re learning.
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Ever since he had been rescued, Bad had grown more protective of Skeppy. That in and of itself wasn’t a surprise to the hybrid. He expected this, especially after what had happened to him. He never left his side and was so attentive with him. That part Skeppy enjoyed.
What he didn’t enjoy was how aggressive Bad’s gotten.
Not allowing Punz anywhere near him or Badlands territory - mostly Skeppy - was one thing. He’s seen plenty of instances where the mercenary’s been chased off by Bad, Sam, or Ant just for getting too close to him. Skeppy didn’t mind that as he didn’t want anything to do with Punz. But he just wished that his beloved demon would tone it down around regular mobs. How he was was too unnecessary, too… not Bad.
The first day Skeppy was cleared to go outside again, he had just been enjoying the sun and familiar scenery when a Creeper came charging up at him. Not unusual. Unexpected in that moment, but at the same time, a familiar threat. The last thing he expected was for Bad to hiss wildly before ripping the exploding mob’s head off before he could even blink. The demon had then proceeded to hiss and growl at other nearby mobs until Skeppy calmed him down. And that nor the zombie in the cave were the only incidents.
Bad tore the wings off of Phantoms that tried to dive bomb the diamond for the nights he wasn’t able to sleep. He’s thrown arrows that skeletons shot at him right back at them before literally pounding them into dust with his bare hands. Illagers have gotten their necks snapped just for being within viewing distance. Other zombies outside of caves were thrown with so much force, the hybrid was almost certain the demon was actually trying to throw them into the sun or moon. Skeppy doesn’t even want to think about the Ghast Bad threw a whole chunk of Netherrack at just for a fireball landing in their vicinity. Thankfully, the Piglins, even the Brutes, knew to stay away from the couple. Perks of being around a demon he guesses.
Skeppy hated it. It pained him to see his precious demon giving in to his bloodlust like this just for him. That wasn’t who Bad was and he knew this. Bad had expressed to him in the past how even he hated it, how it always made him feel like a monster. Bad wasn’t a monster in his eyes, he never would be, but Skeppy didn’t like seeing him lose himself just because Bad felt like he had to overcompensate for not being fast enough to save him (Bad’s words, not his). Although, when compared to his beloved demon still being with the Egg, he’s learning to take what he can get out of the situation.
Still, if you asked him, he’d rather have moments like this. Him resting his head on the workbench he and Bad were sitting at, just watching him carefully carve the spell the demon had found into the diamonds he was using before sewing them into Sam’s veil. The clawed hands were gentle as he carefully handled face covering for their friend. Skeppy glanced at everything that was on the table already.
There were so many earrings and other jewelry organized into what goes to who, some resting atop the clothing items Bad knew members of the server wore. Puffy, Phil, and Fundy’s hats, Ponk’s ski mask, Sapnap’s bandana, hoodies from various members, Eret and Puffy’s shades, Jack’s headset and 3D glasses, Sam’s gas mask, etc. Bad was leaving no room for error. He even popped out some of the precious stones from the crowns some members wore and replaced them with diamonds with the spell carved in. Even Skeppy’s cuff bracelet got the spell carved into it. Turning his gaze back to the demon, the diamond was surprised his love’s hands weren’t hurting by now with how much he’s made.
He was pulled out of his thoughts at the sound of a familiar giggle.
“You’re staring, ‘Geppy.” Bad cooed sweetly as he finished with Sam’s veil. He carefully folded it and placed it next to the gas mask, flexing his hands.
Feeling his cheeks burn a sky blue, Skeppy shyly ducked his head.
“Awww, don’t be shy, love. I thought it was cute.”
Skeppy made a small embarrassed noise before bending over to scoop up Gemma. The pup was growing steadily. With her being so small, they try not to bring her to too many places. At least until she’s big enough to defend herself. Holding the squirming puppy close, he chuckled as she excitedly licked his cheek.
Bad smiled at the pair. Skeppy’s laugh still wasn’t as strong as it used to be yet, but any genuine laugh that the diamond let out was a win in his book. He leaned over to press a kiss against his love’s other cheek and gave Gemma some chin scritchies before pulling out his communicator to message everyone.
Just as he began typing for everyone to come get their gifts, someone else said something first.
<Callahan> After you have received your gifts from Bad, I would like everyone to meet me at the following coordinates
Skeppy watched as coordinates appeared on Bad’s communicator. Both shared a confused glance as another message was sent.
<Callahan> I’ve put together my own gift for Skeppy
<Callahan> I’m positive both he and Bad enjoy it ^^
<Callahan> You can bring Gemma if you want too
<Callahan> Punz, stay inside your house
Bad growled at the mention of Punz. Skeppy leaned against him as Gemma crawled into the demon’s lap.
Callahan wasn’t around very often. The fact he was there during the Disc Confrontation was surprising enough to Skeppy. When he was around, he was nice and sometimes amusing to watch. Then there were times when what he says is questionable. He remembers Bad mentioning Callahan messaging “wait squish me” one time. Still…
What did Callahan have to give him that others haven’t?
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Callahan was smiling at the others as they gathered at the coordinates he mentioned, all wearing the new jewelry and the bedazzled items they wore. He noticed the Badlands briefly glare at Punz’s house. He’s not surprised as the location that was given was on the Prime Path near it. When everyone gave him their full attention, he smiled wider before pulling out his communicator.
<Callahan> I talked with someone that I wanna send Bad and Skeppy to
<Callahan> It’s somewhere safe, promise
<Callahan> I just want to give you guys a chance to relax away from everything, at least for a few days
Everyone looked at each other, muttering to one another as Skeppy clung tighter to Bad. The diamond hybrid still wanted the comfort of familiarity. It almost shook him to his core when he tried to visit Techno and Phil, so much so that Bad had to turn around and go back. Where could he go that he’d feel safe in?
Before anyone could say anything, Callahan summoned a sword and turned. To everyone’s surprise, when he swung it down, a portal had opened.
What was more surprising was what was on the other side.
Callahan. Another one. He stood with his arms folded behind his back and a smile on his face. Behind him was another Puffy, who looked as confused as they did. Their Callahan motioned at his counterpart, who smiled wider.
<Callahan> He’ll send you back when you’re done
Bad glanced at Skeppy, wordlessly asking if he wanted to do this. The diamond shuffled for a minute, obviously nervous.
“You don’t have to, ‘Geppy…”
“I… I want to try…”
Bad bent down to his level. “You sure?”
Skeppy nodded. “It-It won’t be for long… Not if I don’t want it to be… R-Right?…”
Callahan nodded with a gentle smile.
Taking that as the go ahead, Bad scooped up Skeppy and Gemma and, after a moment of hesitation, walked through the portal with everyone watching. As soon as they were through, it closed.
“Callahan… What was that?”
He smiled and started typing.
<Callahan> A mercenary’s eagle always comes in handy
With that, Callahan vanished with a snap of his fingers, leaving everyone remaining confused beyond belief.
None of them noticed that one of them had left long before Callahan had opened the portal.