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"Mon, that one looks perfect on you!" Monsoon had on a frilly red dress that managed to cloak his whole form, despite his height. It contrasted brightly against Raiden’s silver laced and sequined white dress.
<< Are you sure? It feels like it stands out too much… >>
Raiden laughed while wrapping their arms around his waist and ruffling the chiffon fabric. “You already stand out. Trust me, it fits you well.”
<< I’m still curious as to why you wanted me to come shopping with you, but I suppose you’re right. >>
They paid for everything before leaving hand in hand. Monsoon opened up his parasol and held it over the both of them.
<< It’s bright out here. I didn’t realize we had spent so much time out. >>
“I enjoyed going out with you though. It’s nice to spend time together with how many jobs you’ve had to go out on recently.” Monsoon paused for a split second before the clicking of his heels started up again.
<< Fewer people are working for Desperado now that both you and Sam have gotten other jobs. I have to pick up the slack to keep things running; we both know neither Mistral nor Sundowner will. There’s nowhere else I could work anyway. >>
Raiden gave him a pitying glance, but Monsoon dismissed it before he could say anything.
<< I don’t mind the extra work. I enjoy the killing, and it’s a reliable way to make sure I get fucked every night. >>
It was direct, but they were both used to being blunt. There was no point in being dodgy about their feelings. “There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just that Sam and I appreciate it when you’re around.” Monsoon peered over at them with a toothy grin.
<< Perhaps I could take on less then. >>
“You serious?” Raiden walked closer and looked up at Monsoon, smiling back. “I really love you, Mon.” He laughed as Monsoon pulled down his parasol, covering most of his already hidden face.
<< I do as well, sraleanh, mitt phokte. >>
With their fingers laced together, Monsoon became very perceptive of the lack of a ring on Raiden's hand. "I have to tell you something important once we get home." They weren't far, but Raiden wanted to stall as long as possible. Monsoon guessed as to what he had wanted to say, yet he would wait until Raiden was comfortable. Pushing things would do no good. They continued to walk without conversation, with the only sounds being sparsely spread cars and the rhythmic tapping of Monsoon's gait. "So, Sam and I have been talking, and we've decided we want to get married. You're the only person we really want to be there. It's not going to be much, but we wanted to get dressed up and share rings nonetheless."
<< That's why you wanted me to get a new dress, right? You're both my best friends- of course I'll be there with you. >>
When put together, their smiles were as warm and bright as the sun. For anyone else, seeing Monsoon genuinely smile was a once-in-a-lifetime event; however, he allowed himself to relax at home. Sam melted at the sight of both his loves content. "I already went out and picked up the rings, meu amado." Raiden kissed him and untangled Sam's soft hair with his hands. "You both look extremely beautiful." Monsoon had been on his way to take off his dress when Sam spoke. He looked up, smiling back at Sam.
<< Rai said that it was perfect for me. >>
Sam laughed while holding his beloved tightly. "I'm inclined to agree with them. It suits you well." Monsoon instinctually smiled wider before tipping his head down and quietly murmuring thanks. It was easy to slip out of a dress when Monsoon could deform himself at will. A warm buzz filled his head from the adoration. He knew people found him pretty, it was something he used to his advantage. It just felt different- more genuine- coming from his friends. {Perhaps I should get dressed up more often.}
There was no need for him to announce to the cuddling couple what he was doing, yet he bent down and hugged the both of them anyway. An action that once strained Monsoon now brought peace to his mind. Raiden stared up with a goofy smile on his face. "Mon. Was there something you needed?"
<< No, I'm just heading outside. >>
Sam had laid his head against Monsoon's arm and replied with a hum. "Hmm, well, have a good time." Monsoon let go and walked out the back door. Despite the poor soil quality, he had managed to grow quite a big garden. It was only possible with an extraordinary amount of care. The fruits of his labor were ripe, so he got down and began to pick them. There was something ironic about finding comfort with his hands in the soil. It was different to be surrounded by life, his life, rather than the death tied to his memories. He did not struggle to bring everything back at once, a benefit of having larger arms. His hands worked to wash off the dirt and stains while he lay down on the kitchen floor. Mundane tasks were not worth his whole body, and the rest was well deserved.
Once he was finished, he tossed one of the fresh tomatoes at Raiden, who caught it without a warning. He took a bite out of it as Monsoon walked back outside wearing a floppy sun hat. Typically, he would leave his flowers to live and die naturally, but a wedding would need bouquets, even if it was just for the three of them. He needed no fancy tools to pick each flower cleanly; he was certain his hands hurt less, even if they were tools as well. Monsoon collected them into a basket and tipped his hat down, covering his visor better. The sun had been cruel all day, and the risk of his body overheating was high. He heard the door open but continued to focus on his work. A hand wrapped around the rim of his hat. “How’re you doing, friend?” Monsoon gave a small chuckle before finally peering up from his squatted position.
<< It’s hot, but I can take it! I’m thinking of arranging these into something for you and Sam. >>
Raiden raised an eyebrow and got down next to Monsoon. “I never realized you knew how to do flower arrangements. Are they pretty?” Another chuckle as Monsoon set down the basket he was holding.
<< I’ve never tried to make one before. I suppose they could be pretty if I pull it off. >>
He grabbed one of the flowers and spun it between his fingers before sliding it into his hair and tying it into place.
<< I hadn't noticed how beautiful nature could be. I'm grateful to you for making me realize that. >>
Raiden shook their head and placed a hand on Monsoon's shoulder. "That was all you. I didn't make you realize anything."
<< It's nicer than I could've expected to be cared for. It at least helps to have you by my side. >>
Raiden's smile grew and he stood up, offering his other hand to Monsoon. "Always. Now, shall we go inside? I can feel your temperature. You're burning up, whether you realize it or not." It only took Monsoon a second to feel exactly how hot he was. He grabbed the basket and set his hand into Raiden’s. He didn’t need assistance getting up, but he enjoyed the prolonged contact. They pulled him up and took the flowers from his hand, seeing the exhaustion on his face. “Get some rest, Monsoon. You’ve worked hard.” Monsoon opened his mouth to protest but was cut off. “Please, for me. It looks like you’re going to pass out.” A long sigh as Monsoon leaned against the doorframe and nodded.
Sam looked up from his phone at the sudden weight next to him and smirked. “Need a pillow?” He patted down on his thighs and set his phone aside. Monsoon lay his head in Sam's lap and nearly ripped off his visor with how quickly he moved. He blindly groped for a table to rest it onto, but Sam grabbed the apparatus and set it down for him.
<< Thanks, Sam. I d- >>
A finger was placed on his lips, and Monsoon correctly assumed Sam was winking down at him. "Shhhhh. Sleep, friend. You look pretty when you do." A humming noise akin to a purr resonated from Monsoon's artificial voice box. Sam ran a hand through his hair, and it didn't take long for Monsoon to fall into repose.
"You look busy." Raiden had approached behind Sam and was giggling while wrapping their arms around him. "I'm really excited, it's already less than a week away." Sam turned to kiss Raiden and ruffled their hair with his free hand.
"It's happiness I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to feel. Having a family wasn't ever in my plans, but I love you both more than anything." Raiden held him tightly and buried his head into Sam's hair. "You comfy?" A nod from Raiden as he kissed Sam's neck.
"I’m worried about how he'll take the shock. Maybe we should tell him beforehand." Sam hummed and looked down at Monsoon, stroking his hair and holding Raiden’s hand.
“I’m sure it’s gonna be fine. It’s a lot to ask but… it seems like he’s happy here, with us. I don’t think that’ll change just because of a ring.” Sam shrugged and laughed quietly as Monsoon shifted closer to him. “You’re worried, but there’s nothing you need to be worried about.”
“I know. It’s just exciting in an overwhelming way- and I know how easy it is for him to get overwhelmed.” Sam planted a kiss on Raiden's hand and felt it relax.
"It's all going to be alright, meu amor. We are all going to be alright. It'll be one of our happiest days, nothing will change that." Raiden acknowledged what Sam had said as he too began to doze off on Sam's shoulder. Love and affection were shared between the three of them even when they weren't doing anything together.
Four days later, they had driven to Californian shores. It wasn't organized, but they were dressed up and happy. Rain had been falling in torrents; however, it did nothing to dampen their smiles. Monsoon had made flower crowns and was holding a bouquet of red chrysanthemums. Silent vows were shared between Raiden and Sam as they danced together in the rain. They stayed like that until Raiden spoke up, addressing the two of them.
"I love you both so damn much, forever. You guys mean so much to me.” He kissed Sam while sliding a ring onto his finger. Raiden already had their ring put on, and they were wearing a bright smile.
"Husband. Marido. I like the sound of that. I love you, husband." Raiden slipped his hand into one of Sam's pockets and fidgeted to pull a third ring out before quickly concealing it.
"There's something else too. Monsoon," He had a small shock at being focused on, "hold out your hand." Raiden placed a magnetite ring into the center of Monsoon's hand and held him. Confusion gave way to euphoria as Monsoon slipped the ring onto his finger.
<< I… The happiest years of my life have been spent living with both of you. You’re married now, though. You still want me around? >>
“Always, Mon. Rai wanted to tell you beforehand, but I hope it was alright surprising you." If anyone else was there, they might mistake Monsoon's shaking as an effect of the strong winds. Raiden's assumption about Monsoon being overwhelmed was correct. His hands had been shaking since the ring was placed in his hands, and his body had been simulating ng sobs. "Are you alright, parceiro?"
<< Yes! Yes. My thoughts and feelings are just very intense right now. You give me meaning, and it’s not something I figured was reciprocated- especially not in such a permanent way. >>
He twisted the ring without touching it, staring in wonder while being held by his friends. Their hands and hearts were together, silent in the storm.
<< It’s very beautiful. I love it. >>
“I’m glad. We wanted to give you something memorable, so I’m really happy you think so.”
Monsoon was glowing, heart and mind brimming with ecstasy. There was a connection between the three of them, binding them eternally even in death. It was a permanence he had secretly and unknowingly yearned for his whole life. There was beauty in the tranquil contentment they shared amid the tempestuous storm, and Monsoon didn’t want it any other way.