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If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you
“–any last words before I send you back to the Wastelands?”
The anarchist was barely standing, surviving off the single health potion his boss Madagio brought with them when they came to fetch him from this hole he cascaded down two moons ago. His chest was clamped uncomfortably tight, he hated the fact he never got to say goodbye to those he loved.
Madagio didn’t have a single care on their blank face, teal and gold eyes empty of emotion as they stared down at the one they made a contract with. Fit had just barely reached his deadline with minimum requirements, but he failed one of the key points written. He fell in love and formed a family, two things he was expressly warned against which landed him in this hole beneath the ground.
Taking a deep breath, he treasures the fact he will always have images of the good times stored within the memory on his arm. His soul felt empty but he was alive, it would be a monumental effort to keep putting his foot in front of the other but he had too. For the sake of the memories he would hold close during the cold nights to come, wrapped up in a worn sleeping bag by a fire with a dagger in his hand.
He could already feel the cold apathy rising forth, encompassing the survival instincts he learned painfully with visible reminders carved through tough skin. Attempting to ignore the pit in his stomach filled with the shattered pieces of his heart, he finally nods to the impassive cat creature before him.
Shifting to take his first painful step towards the portal that would send him back to the lands he took a train from originally, the process is interrupted by someone he didn’t expect to see for quite some time.
“Stop.” Firm through a voice formed of a thousand tones, Phil’s body descends with a wither rose painted across his left eye, broken wings formed of starlight as long as he was possessed by Her letting his body descend gracefully. “I refuse to let this happen.”
“And who are you?” Madagio’s unconcerned tone was apparent, Fit realising he didn’t know the presence they now shared this cavern with.
“I am a Goddess and you will respect me as such.” Flaring out the impressive wings of galaxies and crow feathers, Her power rolls across the room making Madagio take an involuntary step back. “You have harmed someone I claim as my own, he deserves a chance towards happiness.”
“Fit is meant to return to 2B2T, that's how this was always meant to be. I’ve funneled a year of both my energy and my home’s to keeping him on Quesadilla Island. He was always destined to go back.”
“It’s time he makes his own destiny. He is now under my protection, you will never harm him or anyone he loves again.” The Death Goddess holds Her power to a suffocating level, Fit himself nearly falling over and only catching himself on a wall. “Do you swear?”
For the first time, Madagio’s face shifts to one of rage. Glaring at Fit before returning their gaze to the Goddess, a single nod is all the response given before they vanish.
The bald man lets the tentative joy that sparked to life flare more, observing his best friend’s possessed body at his side. “Is this for real?”
She lets her influence fall as Her expression shifts to one of kindness, giving a smile using Her husband’s face. “It is, dear archivist. It’s time to go home. There are many who have been missing you, and I vow my protection over you for as long as you need.”
“Why me?” Fit knew about Phil’s wife of course, he had heard legends of how the crow and his piglin companion bashed their way through history under Her blessing.
“Phil doesn’t say it aloud, but you have been one of his dearest friends since arriving at Quesadilla. I’ve had the pleasure of watching you support him no matter how dangerous the situation is, therefore I want to offer my blessing to you.”
Fit actually fell to one knee hearing those words, staring up at Her in awe. “I–I don’t know what to say.”
“Before you accept, I do wish to warn you of a few things.” Her voice is soft, gathering Phil’s wings back close as her impressive gaze meets Fit’s hazel ones. “With this blessing, time will not hurry your age. You will be frozen at this moment through your flesh, still susceptible to mortal wounds but far outliving everyone else with proper caution. It is a lonely existence and a rare offering, your friend’s list will shrink over the years as mortality takes everyone else from you.”
Fit shudders, reminiscing on his previous years.
“But you will also carry those you love with you forever in your memories, an anarchist's greatest pleasure and deepest agony. Those you treasure will live on in your thoughts and your actions, their names engraved on your heart.”
Fit considers the offer for a few moments longer, before he nods.
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then
Again, I would spend them with you
Taking a deep breath the moment he steps through the portal off to the right of Phil’s home, the presence of the Goddess leaves them as he has to catch his best friend when he stumbles. Letting the crow lean against him while he takes a few breaths, he looks to who is holding him in confusion and then delight.
“Fit?”
“Hey Phil.” Hearing his voice soothed many worries, the last memory he has of the crow rushes forth and his emotion sours, which he stamps down. “It’s good to see you, old friend.”
Able to stand finally, Phil rubs his temples before pulling his striped hat back into place. “The last thing I remember was going to sleep last night. I take it She came to rescue you.”
Fit nods, wrapping his arms around himself. “She did, I am shocked to be honest. Things were supposed to be much different until She stepped in.”
Phil chuckles, reaching over to hug his best friend close for a brief few moments before stepping back. Fit can’t take it anymore, a tear dropping down his face as he pictures the anger that wrought Phil’s face during their last encounter.
“I am sorry for stepping in on your personal business.” Fit coughs out, Phil looking confused before waving it off with a weak laugh.
“Mate, it’s water under the bridge. Honestly I should thank you, you smacked sense into me and I was able to deal with the problem. Haven’t seen a sign of him since.” Phil’s face is genuine, Fit seeing no lies on his face. “The only thing remaining is this.”
Holding out one of his wings, now that it’s no longer coated in the Goddess’ starlight the ends were glowing purple and scarred. It nearly looked like something clawed its way from between them, leaving cracks across the hybrid’s once grand features. “I doubt I will ever fly on this Island again, but I do at least have my family.”
The moment Phil mentioned his own kin Fit’s heart cried out for two people, standing taller before following Phil over to where a motorboat was tied up. “Where is my son?”
“He’s been spending time with Tubbo as of late, Pac has been going through it.” Phil’s voice is sad, Fit’s heart clenching hearing of his boyfriend’s sorrow. “I know you want to see Ramon but I may suggest you see Pac first.”
Fit has a horrible notion there is a reason Phil is pushing the fact he goes to see the handsome brunette. “Why?”
Phil starts the boat and begins the short journey to his crimsonwood dock, helping one another out afterwards Phil faces Fit with a grim expression.
“At first he seemed to be handling you missing alright. He was doing dungeons and still coming out to see people, but as time went on he began to pull away…” Phil trails off, prompting Fit to ask.
“When was the last time someone saw him outside?”
“–two weeks ago I saw him at spawn and from what I have heard that was the last time he has been spotted outside. Mike and Bagi have been going to check on him but he refuses to let anyone in, only calling back through the door that he is alive.”
Fit rolls back his shoulders, before spotting the fields behind Phil’s house out past the trees and speaks the question that came forth. “Mind if I go pick some flowers, including a few roses? Sounds like I have my beloved to comfort and then my son to reunite with.”
Phil’s sky eyes go wide at the pet name, snickering. “My beloved?”
“You spend two months in a cavern and tell me you don’t have some revelations about what should be important in your life.”
“True, you got me there, friend. Yes that’s fine, all I request is you go towards the middle of the island away from our home. Send me a message when you know he is safe please, I have been worried.” Fit realises he shouldn’t look past the gift in front of him of a compassionate man who worries about others, reaching out to pull Phil into another hug.
“Thank you for being you Phil, we are lucky to know you.” Fit felt unsure being so vulnerable until Phil’s voice returned filled with affection.
“Aww mate, thank you.”
They separate with a few more words exchanged, Fit leaving across the emerald grass of the meadows stretching between Phil and Cellbit’s homes. Grabbing a few blood red fragrant blooms of the flowers that became a symbol between them, he rehearses the upcoming conversation in his head. Selecting tulips, sunflowers and daisies also he forms a beautiful bouquet with care including some ferns as a contrast.
Returning to Phil’s waystone, he takes a deep breath and places his hand down.
Disappearing in a cloud of nether particles, he appears outside Pac’s home and lands on the once well maintained path. Holding the flowers close he peers around, noticing a few differences and checking his home still stands up on the hill. Turning back to the iron doors he walks close to the panels separating him from his love.
Taking a deep breath, Fit stares at the cold metal glinting in the mid-afternoon sun as the nerves within his gut quiver. He knew this wouldn’t be the end of his nightmares, those two moons in a cavern alone meant his psyche was on a dangerous edge and damaged. There were still things to be discovered with how that time altered him, but he didn’t want anyone else at his side while he recovered.
Reaching out his hand, he raps his hand against the doors before him.
“Mike, I am fine, please–go away!” Pac’s weak voice calls out, nearly instant and nearby.
“Try again, my beloved.” Fit couldn’t help the affectionate tone flood his voice, hoping it brings him comfort.
“You aren’t real–I’ve only heard your voice in my dreams.” Pac protests, slower to respond as Fit leans against the frame, still weak from before.
“Pac, it’s me Fit. I swear.” He promises, begging to see one of the people who meant the most to him on these shores.
“This is cruel…” Pac’s voice is ever so soft, breaking Fit’s heart.
Clearing his throat, Fit desperately thinks of how to convince him to open the door. “Over six months ago I told you three specific words at Starbobby which remain true to this day.
“Gosto de você.” [I like you.]
Silence is all that encompasses the next few moments until the door Fit is beside slowly opens. Pac’s deep eyes are dark and foggy, bags heavy beneath above thin features. The anarchist felt his heart shudder at the state he found the beautiful brunette in, knowing he himself didn’t look too much better. Offering the smallest smile, Fit whispers.
“Hello beloved.”
With a sob, Pac nearly knocks Fit off his feet with an enthusiastic embrace. The bouquet goes flying but neither can find it in themselves to care as Fit’s balance eventually does fail and they go over onto the grass with a thud. The muscular man holds his boyfriend as tight as his weakened muscles would allow, relishing in his weight against his aching chest.
“You are real.” Pac mumbles out between sobs, Fit maneuvering the man so his head is cradled in the crook of his neck.
“I am.” Fit’s voice rumbles through his chest, wrapping one arm around his shoulders and the other across the small of his waist. “Rosa, rosa, it’s okay. I am alive.”
The endearments kept slipping out with the relief of holding his sanctuary close once more, both clutching onto their north stars on the bright sunlit grass. “I never thought I would see you again.”
“By a powerful one’s grace we got the chance too.” Pac extracts himself from his grasp eventually so their gazes can lock together once more. “Hi beautiful.”
He watches in delight as Pac’s cheeks turn rosy, appearing off balance and ecstatic until his expression changes to curiosity. “Bonito Fit…where have you been?”
“Far far away.” Fit can’t bring himself to say the full story right now, needing some time to absorb he is safe. “I swear I will tell you in full later but for now, when was the last time you ate?”
Pac seems sheepish for a moment before eventually saying. “–yesterday…”
“Alright, help me up, we are going to make dinner together.” Fit asks him kindly, Pac doing as he requested.
Fit retrieves the bouquet and presents it to Pac, removing a single rose to tuck behind his ear with a smile. His boyfriend does the same, before leaning up to press a quick kiss to Fit’s cheek before disappearing back into his home.
The moment they go inside and he watches as Pac begins to arrange the instruments needed to make themselves a meal and remembers something his son once requested of them. Clearing his throat, Fit wants to spend more time with his boyfriend alone but his heart also calls out for his son.
“Do you mind if we go pick up Ramon first? Before we moved locations he once asked us to do a cooking session together and I think today would be the perfect one.”
Pac’s eyes narrow in suspicion. “You aren’t leaving again, are you? This isn’t some type of last day together? I need you to tell me right now if it is.”
Fit admired Pac’s resilience, knowing he would do the same damn thing in his shoes. “I am here for as long as you will have me.”
Dropping his voice and stepping closer, Pac searches both his eyes. “What about your boss?”
“No longer a concern.”
“How?”
“A Goddess essentially told him to fuck off.” Fit couldn’t help lightening the situation, reflecting on the awesome power She showed when She appeared as Philza this morning.
“...oh.” Pac was rightly out of words, before the hope returned to his world’s face. “You are here to stay.”
“Forever.” The easiest promise he has ever made, Pac takes his hand.
“Then let’s get our son and start our new life.”
“Together, siempre.” Fit responds to Pac’s lovely words with some of his own, letting Pac lead him away.
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do, once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with
Fit would live on the high of Tubbo’s astonished face for several months from the moment they appeared, his mouth dropping open. But nothing would compare to the pure joy and astonishment of his beautiful baby boy’s face the moment his clever gaze met his father’s once more.
Dropping to his knees he lets himself get tackled by his son, weaving his fingers through his brunette curls slowly darkening towards Pac’s own shade. The longer their dragon hybrid children spent around their guardians they would take on features of their parents, it delighted Fit to watch his bright influence spread. Ramon hid his face into his fathers chest, Fit holding him as close as possible. Memorising how it felt to hold the one who made his last year worth it and shifted his entire life's perspective on its head, Ramon hated being vulnerable around others and Fit could feel his son start to tremble already.
Looking up to Tubbo, he treasures seeing his good friend once more. “Thank you for caring for my dear boy, can we catch up later? I would rather get him home now as much as I want to stay and talk things out. I’m sorry I can’t, in fact. There is a lot we must discuss,”
“Course bossman.” Tubbo salutes, knocking one of his goggles down leading to him readjusting it with a scowl before a welcoming smile overtakes his face. “It’s good to see you again, don’t be a stranger.”
“I need my bodyguard after all.” Tubbo’s daughter Sunny writes across a sign which Fit immediately agrees too.
“The moment we are all feeling a bit better you won’t be able to get rid of us, we have many months to make up for.”
Tubbo chuckles, smirking as he responds. “I look forward to it.”
Standing back up, Pac gives Sunny one last hug before taking Fit’s hand and ignoring Tubbo’s playful retching noises as they return to Pac’s home.
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty, except for the memory of how
They were answered by you
As soon as they appear Ramon wiggles free of his Dad’s arms, leading the group inside pointedly hiding his wet cheeks. He hated being emotional, Fit could understand but now felt life was too short to hide things any longer. Pac follows him closely before catching up to their son, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder to stop him just as they pass the bouquet Pac placed in a vase before they left.
Reaching over he picks up one of the remaining roses and leans down to weave it into the strap of his bronze goggles, with the softest voice he comforts their boy. “Nenê, it’s okay to cry. This is a joyous occasion full of emotions, all of us have shed tears today.”
Astounded by the miracle before him, he watches Ramon’s walls drop as he flings himself into Pac’s arms. Being reminded what a gift the Brazilian had been to them both, observing their guarded son allow someone else close to his heart. For so long it had been only the anarchist and the moustached dragon hybrid, they had to protect one another through everything as they only had each other to rely upon.
Then Pac had come along and swept them both off their feet, providing a safe space for them both. Fit was astonished by how much his life had changed, sending his gratitude once more to the Goddess above for this second chance. If it had been anyone but Her he would be concerned at one point in his future Madagio would seek revenge but Her powers were unmistakable to the well informed as being that of a deity.
“Dad?” Ramon taps his leg and holds up his notebook, Fit’s grin overtaking his face seeing his son once more. “Are you back for good?”
“I am.” Firm, Ramon nods once before giving another rare smile.
“Welcome home.”
Embracing him once more, Pac lets out an affectionate noise at the sight.
They work together over the night crafting the perfect dinner together; Fit grills some steaks while Pac works on a salad. Ramon decides the dessert for later and they split the tasks to make it all in perfect tandem. Three plates are lined up and portions are divided, gathering around the bench outside to dig into their meals as the sun sets in the distance over Fit’s home.
This specific meal Fit would remember forever, his loving boyfriend reaching out to touch and reassure himself Fit sits beside him occasionally while Ramon writes in his journal. Fit would read it when Ramon was ready, having too many thoughts for a single sign the volume worked better. Fit enjoyed his first real food in months in the company of those he held dearest to his heart, occasionally looking up to observe his world’s faces.
For once, there wasn’t a deadline in his future. The Goddess assured after providing Her blessing he would be safe for the foreseeable future, this Island was under Her protection. Yes they still had the Federation to deal with but they were making more progress on finding an even ground each day that passed.
Fit was pleased to find uncertainty in what was to come besides spending every moment with those he loved. As he thought that Pac reached over to weave their hands together with a contented expression, Ramon joined their side of the bench once he finished his dinner. They snuggle together facing the setting sun to read the book their son wrote for them, the fragrant scent of roses surrounding them as Ramon gasped in delight, breaking their focus on the book.
Fireflies appear against the trees in Pac’s yard, his chocolate gaze full of wonder. Pac untangles their hands despite Fit’s light-hearted protests, promising to be right back then heading into his house.
He shortly returns with a glass jar with paper and twine, carefully slicing holes through the top before taking Ramon’s hand to go catch the insects he loved while Fit finished reading. He absorbed the words his son scribed to heart; speaking of loneliness and hope, with no trail to follow he eventually started to spend more time with Tubbo building wonderful machines to distract his busy mind.
Fit couldn’t be more proud of who his son was flourishing into, especially with Pac and their other friend’s influence. Ramon’s laugh rang through the night with his Pai’s, gently carrying the jar full of flickering bugs with holes cut in the top so they could breathe. They would release them before going to bed but for now their son placed it on the picnic table.
Fit goes to fetch a blanket and their dessert, all gathering back together under the tree near the table with cookies Phil had dropped off earlier. Fit reflects on the relief on the crow’s face seeing Pac once more, the blonde wore his ancient heart on his sleeve and the anarchist admired the strength for doing so even after aeons.
Pac cuddles under his right arm where Ramon is fidgeting with his left, unable to stop from repairing the broken parts of his prosthetic after months of neglect using tools his Pai provided and a lantern. Fit let him do so for a while until he began to yawn, maneuvering his beautiful child to lay against his left side as he slipped off to sleep. Pac watches Ramon fondly, yawning himself.
Fit isn’t sure he has ever felt more loved than in this exact moment, two warm forms at his side who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. From someone who once was terrified of commitments, this one was the easiest he ever made.
Clearing his throat, his thoughts bring forth something he dreamed of deep in that cavern he was thrown into. “Hey Pac?”
“Hmmm?” Sleepily, Fit fondly watches Pac’s face turn towards him, a masterpiece before him reflecting a view he wanted forever.
“What do you think about building a home together here?”
He giggles, smiling with love at his muscular boyfriend. “Why Fit, are you asking to be roommates?”
“Indeed I am, but this time of the permanent kind.” Fit clears his throat, hoping the serious tone of his vow comes across. “You are the one I want at my side while we step into the next chapter of our lives and raise my son together.”
“Wow Fit, I am honoured. Yes, in fact–we are thinking similar things. One moment!” Pac extracts himself from the cuddle for a moment to go back inside before returning with a small clinched leather bag.
For the first time, Pac looks nervous before he pulls it open, shaking two rings into his palm. Fit’s own heart starts to beat faster, Pac playing with them with the tip of his index finger before looking up at him with a smile.
“Where I am from there is a way we can bind ourselves together, almost like a step before marriage. I forged these promise rings with the help of Phil who showed me how to carve what I wanted into them.” Dropping the larger one into Fit’s calloused palm, Pac waits nervously. “I know you were the one setting the pace, and please tell me if this is too fa–”
Fit cuts Pac off by leaning forward to cup his jaw, waiting for Pac to match him and pressing their lips together. Cautious of shifting Ramon too much while he slumbered, they exchange a few sweet pecks before pulling back. Fit reaches across to take the silver jewelry he held and slides it onto Pac’s finger.
Pac does the same except onto his right hand as that was the one made of flesh, moving it a specific way to show the delicate engravings of a rose flower with their initials on each side. Fit’s eyes well up seeing the additional two letters indicating their sons, eventually saying in the softest voice.
“You are the only one I want to face my fear with, and the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Yes Pac, my life is yours always.”
“My life has been yours for moons.” Pac admits, Fit laughing.
“To be honest, same, but it turns out what I needed to realise that was two months at the bottom of a cave.” Pac’s face shifts to one of concern, Fit giving the smallest smile. “But that is a story for another night, not this joyous occasion. As long as you are at my side, we can face anything.”
Pac considers his words for a few moments before nodding, reaching out to clasp their hands together that now had matching rings. “I am here to talk about whatever you need, as long as you need.”
The fireflies glow in the jar behind the happy couple as they chat for a bit longer until the moon is high in the sky. Pac takes great care to gently pick up Ramon while Fit cleans up their space, moving inside to go to bed properly.
Fit couldn’t hold back the groan of relief the moment he collapses into bed beside Pac, who laughs softly. It's nearly unconscious how they shift to be closer together, both removing their artificial limbs to cuddle together without the cold edge of metal. Fit wraps his arm around Pac’s shoulders as he tosses his leg over the anarchist’s, warm and cozy.
Ramon sleeps across from them in one of the two beds Pac has set up, placed there by his Pai after he carried him inside. With the sleepiest of voices the couple exchange their first ever love confessions and kiss, promising a day full of fun for tomorrow. As a family, they let their dreams carry them off together wrapped in a blanket of safety protected by heavenly beings.
A crow with mystic eyes is perched on the same tree the family was snuggled beneath earlier, following through on Her promise this Island would be safe for years to come. However long it took for their dragon children to grow, they would be protected. Even afterwards, She intended to keep this land safe as a place these souls who inhabited it could always reunite upon.
But that was something for them all to discover later. For now, they could celebrate the fact one of their own had returned. They could have times filled with happiness instead of sorrow, for all here had been through far too much and the Death Goddess had enough.
She was absolute with her demands and protection, it was time She enforced it once more with Her fellow deities. Starting with this world, this would be only the second She ever claimed as her own but it was high time Her love had a break.
With his best friend at his side now reunited with his family and partner, they could face anything. The Death Goddess only gave out her blessing to a select group of people, and those who supported Phil through it all earned it. Also, Fit and his family had found a space in Her ageless heart with their circumstances, it was time they could rest and recuperate.
Settling back on Her throne of wither bones, the Death Goddess pulls Her awareness back to conserve energy. It would be a drain but nothing She couldn’t handle, it was time these poor souls had some healing. Something She looked forward to observing in the coming days, each step forward was under the protective gaze of someone they may not know exists, but nevertheless, She would always care.
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do, once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with