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A melody played expertly from a flute echoed through the air ceasing the cacophony of chatter coming from the guests dressed in their smartest clothes. The crowd gathered around as the sun began to set, orange blending in with rose pink and blue, stretching across the vast ocean that served as the perfect background view of the reception. The guests rose from their seats with smiles and muted excitement, the corner of their eyes crinkling as the first children entered through the arched white fence.
Petals from the flowers poppy and dandelion fell softly on the carpeted floor as Pomme gingerly threw her basket’s contents around in a proud grin. Her apple hairclip, made with ruby as gifted by her father Etoiles, shone against the sun’s outstretched ray. Next to her with the same action was Leonarda, donning her favourite cap with a cheekish smirk. She excitedly threw the petals – not at the carpet – but directly at the guests themselves which caused an amused bellow coming from Vegetta and Foolish.
Once the two flower girls sat along with their parents, the background music decidedly began a different note, led by Tallulah who plays the flute and followed by Ramon and Chayanne who played the drums and banjo. Wilbur gave his daughter a thumbs up, proud to witness her talent, and playfully stuck his tongue out towards his brother who rolled his eyes at him. Ramon pinched the tip of his moustache, happy at the look as he made sure that the piece of hair wouldn’t fall off during the event that night before. He lit up upon seeing Fit’s proud expression, a strong thumbs up given. The chirps of birds can be heard from above the multi-coloured sky, no soon will the torches start their glow once dark blue and littered stars begin their wake.
Next to follow under the arched fence were two giggling eggs who each held a pillow with a personalised ring on top. Richarlyson’s grin widened, proudly walking down the aisle with skips on his step, his styled hair bouncing at the turn of his head as if gesturing to every guest that yes, he did it. He made it official. Dapper, with his newly polished top hat, waved. Quickly following along his brother’s path, lightly rolling his eyes but also relishing the pride in proud shoulders. Glad that they both made it, after all the paths they’ve taken just to get their boa sorte of a ship to sail.
The rings, made of pure silver, differ in the rocks embedded in them. On Dapper’s, designed with the gems of emerald and diamond, then ruby as the main centrepiece with the name “bbh<3” engraved inside.
Matching with the one on Richarlyson’s, the band was designed with blue diamonds and emeralds, but with bright gold replacing its main centrepiece as the name “forever<3” could be felt engraved inside. His to be given by his dad towards Bad and vice-versa to Dapper’s.
Standing at their respective sides, Dapper to the left and Richas to the right, the two young boys turned their heads in excitement as the melody slowed down and came into view were two Brazilians sporting twinning smiles on their faces. Cellbit’s eyes grew fond as the whole scene in front of him reminded him of his marriage to his Guapito. He glanced to his right and exhaled an amused breath upon seeing his best friend’s face. Forever, in his nicely braided hair with flowers of almost all colours embedded, was holding back tears at the corner of his eyes while he felt his cheeks become sore from smiling too much.
On the left side by the guests, his eyes met Philza’s who was next with his platonic husband, Missa. Philza nodded his head with respect, smiling for him as if he had achieved something great. In a way, he had. The next pair of eyes he met was Maximus’ and Forever couldn’t help but smile wider for the man who supported him in finding love for himself. The said man with his bun tied up high couldn’t do much but let out a tear of happiness, wiping it under his shades. Forever held a bouquet – containing the flowers: lilac, azure bluet, and poppy – closer to his chest.
It was perfect. Everything was all he could ever hope for.
Not once did he ever think that this moment was achievable, after all the juncture they have and gone through. Cellbit squeezed Forever on the arm one final time, patting his shoulder in the process before heading off to stand next to his husband by the pews, intertwining their hands together when Roier gave him a tissue to wipe his tears. The Mexican laughed, giving his Gatinho a peck on the cheek. Jaiden next to them playfully rolled her eyes with a shake of her head, grabbing a roll of tissues from her inventory knowing damn well how her best friend will react in the next upcoming moments.
Forever tried to soothe his anxiety by fiddling with his cufflinks, he gulped. Was this finally it? Were they finally going to achieve their happily ever after?
The man gave out a small yelp when he felt a pinch at his side, successfully bringing him back to the present. Forever gave his son a harmless pout and glare while Richarlyson simply stared at him with a knowing look, as if telling his dad that this wasn’t the time to overthink. He needn’t worry because his thoughts would only prevent him from enjoying his best, most important day. And he was right, Forever bemused, ruffling his son’s hair, silently apologising to Felps who had spent hours braiding Richas' hair beforehand. A series of excited gasps reached his ears making him look over the aisle at the process and—
Woah, this really is it. Suddenly he was taken back to all the times he spent staring at the man with starring white eyes and almost-midnight skin that reached his pointed tail. Forever couldn’t take his eyes off him even if he tried, reminiscent of the time when he first saw Bad with his newly dyed blond hair in twin tails, done by Tazercraft truly. At that moment, the whole world ceased to exist, just the two of them; nothing else mattered. It was beautiful, he was pretty.
His breath got stolen but a smile formed on his lips, and his joyed brown eyes met with shining white ones. The background noises tuned out, and the world slowed its course, giving way for destiny to make its magic. BadBoyHalo, delighted in his hair styled similarly to Forever’s and a finely ironed suit with a yellow dandelion pinned by his breast pocket, walked on the carpet; each step closer to his bright future.
Walking him down the aisle to his right was Baghera in her fine orange dress that moved with her body in every motion. Her blond hair was styled in a semi-messy bun, a beam on her face as she glanced at Bad who had a glow. Barely visible but evidently there, the blush on Bad’s face deepened as he took in the faces of their guests. They were all looking at him with happy grins. A few quite actually giving a cheer, those being Quackity, Ayypierre, and Tazercraft. Off to the side, he saw Foolish giving him a cheesy look – eyebrows going up and down. He stuck his tongue out to his totem friend, the both of them chuckling at their childishness before he let his eyes wander and finally met the familiar ambers of his husband-to-be.
Bad feels his tail swaying a little bit too wild, biting the inside of his cheek, and getting a bit flustered at his displayed delight. It was weird, thinking back to the times when they stay up all night theorising along with Baghera or Cellbit or just them together. When had it actually started? Bad wasn’t so sure himself. Was it after the whole Philza debacle with Missa? During the Festa Junina, or was it after one of those long trips they separately took causing them to miss each other? Whenever it started; however it began, Bad knew one thing for sure. It was the fact that there had always been something there, waaay before he finally had the guts to ask Forever out (with the help of Dapper and Richas, mind you).
Badboyhalo shudders at the reminder of his confession. He had just asked Forever out two days before the final elections, getting rejected when the blond told him that he had given up on relationships. It hurt, of course, it did, but Bad also knew that he damn well deserved it. He respected his decision, berating himself for figuring out his emotions so late.
The demon hybrid accepted it, glad that despite it all, they could continue being friends. He said to himself. One day, he woke up and found out that the blond Brazilian had been getting targeted by angry protestors, trying to eliminate him from the elections the federation held. It was hard for Bad to reach him, using every ender pearl he had in his inventory; every leap his grappling gun could take him, anything just to reach the man. He yelled his name upon being met with a swarm of zombies and vindicators, fear gripping his throat at the thought of losing him forever. His trauma with dungeons kicking in. Badboyhalo fought for dear life, swinging his sword and holding a totem tight on his left, frantically looking around the maze of a dungeon for that distinctive blond braided hair.
Granted, Badboyhalo could have used their emergency stasis chamber, but at that moment it seemed that every logical, functioning brain cell that made him intelligent had flung itself out the window. Certainly not at the time he was swinging his sword left and right, hopeful for the sweeping edge and thankful that no children had joined the rescue. It took Bad four totems and several regeneration potions to revive him. During those times Forever argued, screaming at Bad to retreat, to go back, to save himself. Thank heavens that the muffinhead was stubborn as a diamond. Bad was able to push past the mobs, reach him, and then guided them back to a room where they both blocked the door for a small reprieve. They panted, trying to catch their breaths and heal themselves.
“Why?”
Forever had asked, his forehead covered in sweat as he leaned against the blocked entryway. Badboyhalo looked up, “Because,” his face contorted in an unflattered expression, wincing to himself as he gave Forever an answer with a grimace, “I didn’t want to miss you.”
Being a silly man himself Forever was rendered speechless.
It wasn’t until Forever was back at the Favela, alone with Richarlyson that he found out why he couldn’t put a name to the flimsy emotion that pricked at his senses. Badboyhalo spent totems to save him. He went after him; followed him to a dungeon filled with dangers that could have possibly taken their lives and even though he told him to go, the man had stayed. Those times whenever they have days to-week vacation trips, the times they yelled “I miss yous & happy to see yous”, Bad was serious about his feelings, he actually cared and actually loved.
Forever stumbled over his words, running a hand through his hair, quick to tell Richarlyson to follow him as they warp back to spawn. He told his son to message Dapper asking if his father was home to which the boy promptly shook his head no. Apparently, Dapper and Badboyhalo took an adventurous route. Exploring Quesadilla island to find what more there was to offer. The man cursed under his breath, checking out the map to see if he could pinpoint the hybrid’s location. It wasn’t the first time Bad and his son explored far and wide, sure, but for some reason it suddenly hit him. The answer given to him earlier finally dawned its meaning. What if he couldn’t see Bad anymore? Taken somewhere far, far away that he couldn’t reach him.
Just those trips alone get too much, what if – rubius’ forbid – they never made it back? What happens if they cease to see one another? He’s going to miss him, and he was going to miss him infinitely. Just like the lost children are to their parents. And Badboyhalo may not be one of the Quesadilla kids, Forever is pretty adamant that he still could miss him. He’s going to.
“Badboy!” A call throughout the snow biome echoed against the ice mountains. “Badboyhalo, wait up!”
Bad stops his steps, skidding on the ice and glanced at Dapper who shrugged before the two of them looked behind to see two figures running through the foggy air. Forever ran faster than Richarlyson, having longer legs, one hand held up to shield his eyes from the mist. “Forev—?” Bad yelped when the man crashed into him sending the two of them down and sliding through ice. Both children ran towards their parents, suddenly worry about their carelessness.
The demon hybrid let out a pained grunt, squinting his eyes open to find the blond tightly holding him around his midsection. Puzzled, Bad tried to sit up, nudging Forever by the shoulder and gave a confused look towards Richas and Dapper. He opened his mouth, ready to inquire what was wrong when Forever suddenly look up, amber-determined eyes staring up at him with a degree of intensity that made him shut his mouth.
“I love you Badboyhalo! I love you so fucking much you cutie, pretty bastard! I love you so much and I don’t want to miss you anymore!” His words shifted from English to Portuguese, incoherent and loud, but it was also enough that Bad understood every bit of it.
“Wait, hold on,” Bad chuckles and pats the Brazilian on the shoulder, “What do you mean?”
Forever took a deep breath. He fixed himself so he can level his head with Bad’s before explaining out loud to give emphasis on each word, “I want you to go out with me.”
Badboyhalo went speechless, blinking his eyes as he felt heat travel his face before squeaking out a bit of a higher pitched, “Yes!”
They hadn’t seen it but to the side Richarlyson had grabbed Dapper, shaking his poor brother as they both suddenly squealed. Jumping around like a couple of silly geese, Dapper collapsed to the floor as Richarlyson spelt out on his sign,
“FINALLY”
Slime yelled before getting elbowed straight to the gut by ElMariana. The crowd chuckled and all settled down when Baghera engulfed Bad in a tight hug. “You’ll take care of Forever, won’t you, Bebou?”
Bad laughs, nodding his head with an enthusiastic smile. “Always,” he tells Baghera before she walks off towards the pews, taking the spot next to Pomme when Antoine moved to the side to give her the space. Soon, the two grooms stood at their respective sides, Bad to the left and Forever to the right, and the guests were given the signal to take their seats. The pair stood with matching fond expressions for each other, still finding it hard to believe that they were having their very own wedding. When Etoiles, their wedding officiator, gave them the signal for the rings, Bad couldn’t help but coo at his son.
His young boy sported a cute little bowtie, matching the aesthetic of his top hat. The demon hybrid fixed Dapper’s hat by his tail, tilting it a bit before gingerly accepting the ring offered. He knew how happy Dapper was for him, always pushing him to finally accept someone so he would no longer be alone. Knowing that Skeppy, being too far away, trapped at a gas station, can’t really company him on the island. Bad remembers Dapper’s saddened eyes when his son caught him drinking a little bit too much to numb the loneliness in his stomach. He gives Dapper a smile, silently thanking him, telling him that no, he won’t be lonely anymore.
Badboyhalo shifted his gaze from Dapper to the man with nervous yet ecstatic energy in front of him. Yes, he wouldn’t be lonely because this time… he thought of all the dates he and Forever shared in between; this time he had someone to love and be loved with.
As the last peek of the sun’s rays sets, colours yellow bleeding to pink and red in the vast ocean behind him, Forever held the ring he took from Richas high, Bad mirroring his movements, and they both began their vows.
“Badboyhalo,” he breathes, each word enunciated, “the love that I have for you,”
The dust of light pink appeared on Bad’s face and his eyes glowed a bit brighter as he responds, “Is a love that knows no bounds.”
“In times of sickness and in health,” Forever stutters while he feels the corner of his eyes starting to tear up. The butterfly in his stomach had only continued to grow, remembering the times they spent together, through every grief and hardship they faced.
“In a block or a hundred worlds apart,” Bad bit his lip, unwilling to cry.
“I will love you as much I could give as my equal,” this time there were tears amongst the guests, they all could hear Slime loudly sobbing against Mariana’s shoulder.
It seemed that Bad had brewed the same thoughts, his smile wavering in pure fondness, wanting nothing else but to provide comfort and safety for his loved ones. “And protect you, Richarlyson, and Dapper, above all else.”
“I’ll share with you my truest feelings, riches, and family,” Forever continues. Wilbur glanced at Quackity, an unannounced emotion that made his chest clench suddenly striking him in fear.
Off to the pews, Vegetta and Foolish beam at each other, their intertwined hands are hidden behind their daughter. Bad responds, “And when you speak, I will listen with both my mind and heart.”
“Be your Kleenex or popcorn, I will catch you when you fall. ” this time, it was a sure promise to be there for each other.
They both felt lucky, seeing each other as the greatest person they have ever met and getting the chance to be together, is a dream come true. Their happiest moment. “And when you soar, I will help you reach your greatest heights. Including the ones they say are hard to find.”
Both Badboyhalo and Forever grin, the latter stepping up first, reaching out to Bad’s left hand. “BadBoyHalo,” he states before slipping the ring, the decorated silver snuggly hug around the demon hybrid’s finger.
“Forever,” following the same exact steps, Bad managed to fit the moulded silver into his lover’s finger. Behind him, the night have fully settled as a blanket of stars covered the early evening sky. Caressing the band with his thumb, he looked up at Forever and they both held each other’s hands before they both recited in perfect synchronization.
The sound of cheers from their friends and family echoed around them, they may have closed their eyes but nothing has ever been more radiant than the love that burned within their chests. As their eyes open, the whole world ceases to move once again. The motions of “love at first sight” held no greater value than the fondness they consistently felt for one another. It was just them, the two of them, and nothing else mattered more than to be in each other’s arms.
Suddenly there were weights by their sides, causing them to be pushed against each other once more making the newlyweds laugh. Yes, nothing else mattered more than them, and the little family they formed. Bad wrapped an arm around Dapper while Forever manages to lift Richas to his hip before the four of them faced the crowd with gratitude.
“Here Richas and Dapper,” Forever exclaims as he gives them the bouquet he held earlier. “Both of you, throw it towards the crowd.”
“And by throw, Forever means to throw in a general direction, not directly at someone’s face, okay?” Bad was quick to remind and this causes his husband to hollow a laugh. Forever lowers Richarlyson and the two of them watch as their sons gather at the front, both holding the bouquet in one of their hands as they make an agreement to throw it at the count of three.
The blond looks at Bad, grinning suddenly when his husband returns his gaze. “I love you so, so much,” he whispers and watches as the corner of Badboyhalo’s lips curls, the demon hybrid shaking his head before pulling Forever in with a hand behind his head.
“Love you forevermore~”
Instead of a loud roar of bragging rights upon catching the bouquet, the lovers heard alarmed shouts and surprised gasps, the children immediately being ushered behind each parent for safety. Forever was rather quick to pull his sword out of his inventory, telling both Dapper and Richarlyson to get behind their back. Next to him, he could feel Bad grip his hand, the other holding a netherite axe. The man gritted his teeth, frustrated at the entity who dared crash his wedding. It was a surprise as well, really, for Cucurucho to pay them all a visit.
The white, grizzly bear-looking with abnormally long limbs stood tall right outside the arched fence. This entity, this being had disappeared for weeks upon their capture of the Code. A month ago, the team— everyone on the island, had found a way to trap the Code in an inescapable cage built by Ayypierre and Antoine. After Bad had managed to lasso it for the last time with Philza following a suit, Cellbit, Fit, and Etoiles managed to get a couple of good hits, successfully weakening the entity with all their might. Baghera, Quackity, and Foolish were in charge of protecting the children who happened to be outside and were unable to get teleported upon their connection to the stasis getting blocked. The rest of the residents like Pac, Mike, Slime, Roier and Jaiden fought off the spawned mobs and had done their best to keep the majority of them from disrupting the team’s effort.
“What do you think you’re doing here,” Forever sees Cellbit step forward despite Roier’s attempts at holding him back. He held his breath, his own hand clenching down Bad’s, mad that the creature that in any way, shape or form, could somehow ruin their best moments. “You are not invited here. Leave.”
In his peripheral, he could see Quackity moving closer to Wilbur Soot, the taller Brit scooting forward wanting to look tall and menacing. In front of them, Cucurucho pulled a bottle of bubbles out of thin air. They opened the cap, dipping the tool before blowing. Transparent spheres of varying sizes levitate, floating in a direction where from a certain point of view would have each of the residents’ heads fit inside the bubbles. One by one those bubbles popped.
“HaHaHa,” Cucurucho voiced but their mouth remained still. “Disfruta la isla…” it blew more bubbles as they ducked down the arched fence, taking a step within the vicinity.
In less than a minute, the parents from the crowd formed a semi-circle around the children who were soon gathered behind Forever and Badboyhalo. The latter hissed at the kids to wear their armour, their fancy suits and dresses be damned. The couple were in a stance, instead of a preparation to dance, they were ready for a fight. The torches burned, its glow bathing the area in a degree of orange shades. Waves that had been slapping along the shoreline grew silent as each person anticipated the worse.
Suddenly, Cucurucho stopped. Their head moved from left to right and Badboyhalo could swear that for one second, he could feel the creature’s eyes on him. But then he blinked and suddenly the head was turned to the far right, finishing their scan. “Congratulations,” Cucurucho unexpectedly uttered, “La isla ahora es segura.” Then, they straightened their body and tilted their head, bubbles on halt.
“As a reward,” Cucurucho switched languages in the same mechanical tone. “Your wishes will be granted.”
Badboyhalo glared. Reward? Was this a new game? How can they trust this very being that had done nothing but toy with their lives? He looked up at Forever and the two of them shared a silent communication, the children are their priority. Whatever happens, they’re going to have to split off so Forever and a few others can guide them to safety.
“Can we fucking get off of this fucking island?!” Quackity abruptly claimed, he steps out from the protective pile, shaking Wilbur’s hold. His scream caught everyone off guard, waiting to see what happens next as the pure rage morphed in his face was met with silence… an intense blank look, staring. Then,
“Yes,” Cucurucho answers, throwing a book a few feet away from them. “Esperamos que hayas disfrutado de la isla.” The bubbles continued, the sound of the environment around them coming back in full force as if time unfroze. The creature moved backwards then bowed in languid motions and without a further message, stepped out of view.
Jaiden looks around, “Was that it?” She tentatively asks, still far back where Roier had pushed her behind his back. Forever watched as Cellbit picked up the fallen book, opened it and scanned its contents. The residents held their breaths. A dropped needle can cut through the thick tension in the air, nothing but the sound of fire embers coming from the torches and lapping waves can be heard.
Slowly, Cellbit shuts the book. “Tomorrow morning,” he starts, “At the earliest possible.” His eyes met Roiers’ and suddenly—
The crowd broke into loud roars, cheering at the thought of finally winning, of leaving the island. Returning to the real world filling their thoughts. Pac and Mike hugged each other, sobbing in happiness at the thought of home. Wilbur and Quackity’s faces broke into wide grins and the former suddenly picked Quackity up to spin him around. Further sounds of excitement elevated the tension, immediately melting as the announcement settles in.
Badboyhalo and Forever looked at one another, dropping their weapons before engulfing each other in a tight embrace. The thought of being free, of a chance for safety… finally.
A soft hum fills the silent night, only the light of a full moon escaped through the crack of window curtains. Badboyhalo pulled his hand away from his newly lit lamp, feeling much more comfortable now that he was out of the suit and in a deep maroon robe. His husband, Forever, hums along with him, finishing his task of fixing the bed by fluffing up the pillows before dropping down to seat on it, grinning happily at his accomplished work.
He opened his arms, gesturing to Bad as he opens and close his hands. The childish display made the hybrid demon laugh, his tail swaying lightly when he moved to stand in front of the blond, enjoying the warmth he provided when he wrapped his arms around his midsection.
“So many good things happened today,” Forever exhaled as he felt his body relax, shoulders sagging before nuzzling his nose further. Bad hums in agreement, fingers carding through blond locks now that the hair was loose and free of flowers. "Our wedding was so great that even Cucurucho felt the need to give a gift!"
The implication had Bad chortle, "I know, we can finally go back! No more running, no more hiding." He excitedly exclaimed, "You, Dapper, and Richas can finally be safe." Safe and sound, away from the dangers the Quesadilla Island has to offer.
Forever looks up, his chin pressing just above Bad's belly button. Eyes wide in wonder as he pointed out, "I can take you guys to Brazil; have you all meet my family."
"Yeah!" Bad let out a small cheer, raising a fist as if pumped up over the thought of travelling via air transportation. "Oh my goodness, all of you can meet Skeppy too!"
The other raised a brow, he pulls Bad close, "Skeppy, like, your bestie right?"
Bad giggled. "Mhmm, Skeppy my best bestie," his finger twirls some strands of blond, enjoying the smooth and soft texture. "I'm going to introduce to him my very handsome," – he lowers his voice a pitch, teasing – "very jealous, very silly husband." The man ends with a kiss on Forever's head, the butterfly in his stomach spreading its wings and flying about and beyond. The laughter he got in response was exhilarating, serotonin for his very heart.
"You say that now but we both know how jealous you can be," Forever was quick to reply, squeezing him right, "But enough talk about the outside world for now. Like what Cellbit said, we will need to investigate first. So for now," he pulls Bad in before suddenly picking his body off the floor by dropping him on the bed with a light thud. Badboyhalo let out a quick yelp at the unexpected manoeuvre, "Right now, all I want to do is hold you in my arms, cuddle, and tickle!"
The demon hybrid squeaked at the sudden onslaught of tickles, laughing until his eyes starts to tear. "You muffin! Stop!" He bellows which thankfully Forever followed. The latter was laughing himself and Bad took this opportunity to tickle the blond back, the two of them going back and forth for five minutes before eventually falling out of breath, laying there with their eyes on the ceiling. Faded yellow bleeding onto the acacia wood that looked like maroon in the shadows.
"What do you think of letting me dye your hair blond?" Forever pipes the question that instantly made Bad roll his eyes.
"I'm starting to think that you only love me because I had blond hair."
A loud gasp, “Badboyhalo, I married you without that hair and I'm going to marry you again even when your colour is green, red, blue— whatever.”
Bad scrunched his face, "Even when I'm bald?"
“Well…”
“WHAT?? You won't love me when I'm bald?!” Whined Bad which made his husband chortle.
Forever rubs their nose together, “No, no, you're being so dramatic. Of course, yes, I'm going to love you even when you're bald.” The both of them fell into a fit of giggles.
The breeze coming from the window was cold in a way that served a perfect chill. Soft breaths within the room mingled with the light thumps of heartbeats helped ground both lovers' minds. The glow of the lamp, entranced by the moon, followed the shadows in a lenient manner. His tail wrapped around Forever's leg, grounding, as Bad nestled close. At that moment they were perfectly still. Contented to lay in silence in the presence of the other.
"The kids need convincing," Dapper, Richas… all of the children born in Quesadilla Island needed to be reassured. Upon hearing the announcement from Cucurucho their imaginative minds travelled unwanted scenarios. "We need to tell them that nothing's going to change. That leaving this island does not equate to abandonment; that we're still going to be a family."
"I agree," Forever affirmed, "but Bad, we both know that me, you, and everyone else— we can never go back to how it was." Almost pleading, amber eyes seemed to find their favourite everlasting white pair. "Leaving this island… things will change. Won't they?"
Those white eyes softened, fondness bleeding through the gaze. Slowly, Badboyhalo reached for his husband's hand, cherishing the warmth that they shared. The ring gleamed against the moonlight, it was a perfect fit.
"Of course. The place will change, probably some attitude, the way we live…" he sighs, squeezing. "But we're still going to be a family. As long as we have each other."
The answer was sufficient enough for Forever to relax, palpable anxiety leaving his system. He pulls Bad's hand to give it a chaste kiss on the back, smiling softly at his husband's ring, the way the gold stayed prominent amongst the other gems. It was true, as long as they had each other, they were always going to be a family.
"We don't have to miss each other," he exclaims and to this Bad hums, pressing their foreheads together as he responds.
"No, we don't."
They can't. Not when not one of them is leaving. Hell, they might even get sick of each other, but that's way better than having to miss an absence. Longing for someone who isn’t there only suffocates the wounded.
They lay there studying the emotion on their partner's face. As if trying to memorize the smallest hint of features. The soft blond hair framing Forever's face, the shape of his nose to the slight stubble of growing hair surrounding his chin. Then to Bad's lashes that curl, the obvious well-kept horns that protrude from his forehead to the crow marks around the corner of his eyes that become visible when he smiles.
With Dapper and Richarlyson sleeping over at Cellbit's castle for the moment to give the newlyweds a chance to spend their first evening with just the other, the pair took this as their best opportunity to have some peaceful night's rest, falling asleep holding each other close. Knowing that they'll be there when they wake up.
A solar eclipse is when a moon perfectly falls in line with the sun that it casts a shadow over Earth. A heavenly body. It is rare in a way that makes it beautiful in the eyes of so many beholders. The sun glows, radiant as it bathes the moon with its lustre, infectious engulfing the moon in its size. A glimpse of rays at the edges makes it look as if the moon and sun are truly one, meeting after chasing the other for a lengthy amount of time.
Stories were born from this astronomical event. A varying description that hints at unexplainable events, calling it supernatural or otherworldly. Some tales, however, speak in simpler terms. Of how the moon and sun can never truly be together, granted a few moments of reprieve, choosing to dance within those meetings before finally parting once more. They danced and dance in the few minutes they have with each other. It’s fantastical, otherworldly before they go back to normalcy. It’s a bittersweet anecdote that inspired millions of tells throughout the world.
The sun will continue to burn, the moon moves on its journey. Farther away from the heat, the light— the experienced company. Suddenly everything feels so lonely. Like a traipse alone at a park that is filled with either groups or pairs, never one.
Badboyhalo remembers that kind of company. One that is filled with lovely children that run off and refuses to wear armour despite the many attempts of trying. The company where he sits around a wide oval table, communicating ideas, theories— even simple stories of an unimportant event. Of course, being alone does not equate to loneliness but it is commonly related in scenarios. However, Bad stands confused. He wasn’t meant to be lonely. Not anymore, no.
He has his own little family. His immediate sons, Dapper and Richarlyson, brothers that bicker but work together. One that builds machines, who tackles problems with a certain maturity that a child as young as him shouldn’t really have in the first place, a maturity that was born upon realising what having a single parent means. Dapper, always so good to him. His wonderful son.
Then Richarlyson, who sees the world in vibrant colours. Always so energetic, emotive, and active. Creative in visuals that had Bad floored. The only child of five – still counting – fathers. Richas, who never once stopped giving love, does anything he can to show how much he cares. Now his official son, one that loves him as much as he loves his other five dads. Maybe more.
Both of them, his children, who mean the whole world to him. Who gives him happiness, love, and purpose. Whom he will literally do and sacrifice everything for.
And Forever. Who is as radiant as his son and the colour of his hair. He who lights everything he touches. The one that checks up on him during sleepless nights, who sensed his discomfort in crowded places so he takes him away to a secluded yet safe place. Forever who is dramatic; ridiculously jealous, and will do anything for him in a heartbeat. He is safe, the warmth on chilly nights; the loud in silent settings; the green, green life amongst the wilted field. Bad like him, he loves him, he wants him.
The four of them are staying, his family; his home. His—
They’re there. With him. He doesn’t have to miss them.
The three of them are staying: his son with the top hat and lover with warmth—
He’s there, with him. He doesn’t have to miss him.
The two of them. Just them: he who lives in the dark, that follows the moon. And the one with radiance as the sun. The two heavenly bodies must go on with their journey, returning to what was then. He doesn’t have to miss—
“FOREVER!”
Bad screams as he sat up abruptly. The bed moves and the person beside him shifts. Badboyhalo’s eyes were frantic, his heart pounding against his chest as he gasps for air. He was cold; he was dreaming. It was just a nightmare, one heck of a nightmare that he knows Dapper and Richas would love to decipher once he told them all about the eclipse and the…
“Bad?” Besides him, a groggy voice checks in. Bad closes his eyes, and took a deep breath. “Are you alright? What happened?”
A hand on his shoulder catches his attention. It does not take the cold away.
“I was… I had this dream, oh my goodness Skeppy, I think I need to go see the kids. Dapper and Richard. I need to…” Bad trails off, his eyes adjusting in the dark. Skeppy was beside him, one hand on his shoulder and the other rubbing his eyes.
Skeppy lets out a confused noise, uncomprehending. “Richard? Dap— who?”
“Daphne,” Bad answers then frowns. Those names weren’t quite right. A heavy rock settles at the bottom of his stomach. “Ri— Rich… Ree—” he gulps and looks around.
He was in his room. The blinds were drawn shut, the bed in a state of disarray from the lack of keeping. A small nightshade was on by his desk, providing what little light his room has. He was home, wasn’t he? Why does it feel like he wasn’t? Slowly his gaze zeroes in on the body next to him.
“Skeppy, what are you doing here?” The demon hybrid scrutinises his best friend who gave him a look.
The diamond chortles certainly weirded out. “What? Bad, you asked me for a sleepover.” When the other didn’t reply he prods further, “What do you mean? Like, here? In bed? Dude, we always share the same bed.”
Badboyhalo shook his head. “I need to see Dap—” he grits his teeth, why can’t he remember the names of the people very important to him? “This can’t be real. Skeppy, where’s Forever?” That was his name, wasn’t it? Forever? The word that meant everlasting.
“Forev— who? Like the noun? What the hell Bad, who are these people? Why are you—” Skeppy sucks in a breath, “Hey, hey, are you okay? What’s wrong, why are you crying? Bad?”
Badboyhalo reached over to touch his face and, yes. There are indeed tears running down his cheeks. Why was he crying? “No, no no no no, no. Geppy, where is he?” His voice cracks, claws digging into the bed covers where he pushes his best friend out of the way as if the person he was looking for were somewhere hiding.
“Where’s who?” By this point, Skeppy was completely awake. Puzzled by the many names mentioned.
“Him! He, Four… for— ugh! He. My husband! My light, my sun,” he was pulling out words that reminded him of that person. “My yellow… I don’t know. I don’t know, I don’t remember, I don’t know .” He’s sobbing now but he doesn’t know why. “He was supposed to be here, Skeppy, I was supposed to wake up to his hair, his smile… not you. Skeppy, you weren’t at the island.” Bad digs his palm into his eyes, confused and frustrated, “You weren’t there.”
Gods, who were they? Desperately trying to grasp the memories of children’s laughter that were vanishing right in front of him. Gently holding the finger that was supposed to wear a newly familiar smoothness of a silver band, Bad screams when he touches nothing. His voice in anguish as the ache in his chest spreads like thorned bushes growing in his lung. Where had his home gone?
Forever kneels on the patch of grass. An arm outstretched towards the moon. The night was cold but just staring at the glowing sphere gave him warmth he couldn’t understand. The air was chilly, evenings are always cold from the lack of sun… so how is the moon providing him heat? Putting his arm down, he clenched his fists to the sides, he was shaking and the hands that hesitantly grasped his shoulders did nothing to alleviate the tremors.
“I’m sorry, Forever,” Brunim's voice was low, hesitant as if afraid of spooking him. “I don’t know who Badboy is.”
And that’s the funny thing, isn’t it? He doesn’t remember who and why he's looking for him. All he knows is that he woke up and he wasn’t there. Forever was supposed to wake up to the sound of his voice and a tail wrapped around his ankle. He longs for someone— something? There were multiple "somethings" he’s itching to see, to find, to hold.
Blinking, the man looks up at the moon once more.
What is he doing here? Forever grits his teeth, his knees aching from kneeling on the grass. He transfers his gaze to Brunim, helplessness and confusion written on his face. There's a hole in his chest. Not literally, but he can feel it.
“Why am I here?”