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It was like a spider was skittering down his spine.
Foolish rubbed the back of his neck, trying to focus on what Tubbo was telling him.
“So then we can set up the grid and finally get you that wand you wanted.” The engineer adjusted the goggles over his eyes. Tubbo was bent over working on some large machine that Foolish would never understand.
“Two wands.” He corrected, bringing up his fingers with his free hand. The other was still over his neck, as though that would help the odd sensation he was experiencing.
There was no doubt in his mind, he was being watched.
“Two? Oh right, you did say that.” Tubbo backed up away from the machine, “Could I ask why? A backup or something?” The younger man tilted his head, a brow raised.
“Or something.” Foolish said with a little shrug. He wasn’t one to divulge his intentions after all. He finally let his hand drop to look around the factory, “Hey, is Ash around right now?”
“Shouldn’t be, he had a meeting with… some others.” Tubbo waved a hand vaguely in a direction, taking his turn in being selective in his words.
Foolish nodded, not pressing lest he be pressed in turn, “How much longer do you think?”
“Maybe a day? It’s honestly not hard now with the materials, I am just well…” Tubbo rubbed his eyes. There were heavy bags under each, almost looking like black-eyes from their intensity. Since finding the blaze rods, it was like the guy never slept.
“I’m very patient.” Foolish walked around to stand beside him, then leaned over onto Tubbo’s shoulder. It was a bit awkward with their height difference, “You know you’re allowed to sleep right?”
“I know but Ash—”
Foolish rolled his eyes, “A nap at least. The wands can wait.” reached over, taking off Tubbo’s goggles in one quick motion.
“Hey!” But when the little engineer tried to reach for them, Foolish simply raised the goggles higher. “I need those!”
“I know you do, and you’ll get them back in the morning.” Foolish shook them, teasing as he started to walk off towards the warp.
His steps certainly didn’t speed up as that feeling of being watched intensified…
“Foolish!” Tubbo cried out angrily, only to sound mopey the next second, “Damn it man…”
Foolish chuckled, stuffing the goggles in his bag as he warped away.
Vegetta frowned, staring at the sign from Shappo.
Foolish is talking to Tubbo, engineer from the Regime. He wants two wands of some sort, but didn’t say why or who the other would go to. Maybe there is another?
The translation tool worked well enough for him to understand the signs, and he didn’t hesitate to tear them down the moment the words registered. He didn’t think twice before writing his own sign, Please, find out more.
Vegetta certainly wasn’t heavy-handed in blocking up the little cave as he went back out to the unfinished mansion. No, no, no, Vegetta was fine. He wasn’t worried or upset at the mysterious other person in Foolish’s life at all!
In fact he went back to building with little regard, placing blocks along the walls without staring down at the abyss below. Yes, Vegetta, he was not concerned in the slightest—
“Ey, papa, parece que vas a romper la arenisca.” Ey, papa, it looks like you’re going to break the sandstone. Roier’s voice startled him, making him snap up with wide eyes at his son.
Their son.
Vegetta cleared his throat, “¡Oh, perfecto! ¿Estás libre para trabajar? Necesito más para las paredes. No recolectaste suficiente.” Oh, perfect! Are you free to work? I need more for the walls. You didn’t gather enough. He only had a stack left, so it definitely wouldn’t be enough for the whole building.
“¡¿Que?! ¿Estoy preocupado y me mandas a trabajar?” What?! I’m worried and you make me work? Roier groaned, but then his expression twisted into a bit of a smirk, “Espera... ¿esto trata sobre Foolish?” Wait, is this about Foolish?
Vegetta’s eyes widened, and he looked away before his face could heat up, “Te asigné una tarea.” I assigned you a task. He said more sternly, “Como el Rey del Norte—” As the King of the North—
“¿Porque está actuando como si no recordara lo de antes?”
Because he's acting like he doesn't remember before?
Vegetta put away the sandstone, turning on Roier who’d gotten closer. He wasn’t sure what to say to that, not when he was already trying to forget the message from Shappo.
But yes, yes the entire situation with Foolish concerned him greatly. Though they reunited on the boat with seemingly little issue, there was something Vegetta couldn’t place about their time on this new island. He had simply ignored it at first, adventuring with Foolish, Tina and Molly simply happy to be free enough to do so.
But then on the second day, it was like Foolish was… distant.
Slipping through his fingers like sand.
Maximus did not help that concern, what with their living situations confusing them all. Thankfully Foolish cleared it up the next day, but when Vegetta went to ask about their room, there was a part of him that held back.
A part of him noticed there was something missing in his Tiburón's eyes.
Now with the message from Shappo, it made all the sense in the world why… After two years, there was someone else in Foolish’s life and the man was too afraid to say as such to him.
“Necesito arenisca.” I need sandstone. His voice warbled more than he intended.
Roier rolled his eyes, “Vale, lo que sea…” Fine, whatever… He turned around to walk off, “De todos modos, esos dos nunca se hablan.” Those two never talk to each other anyways.
Vegetta ignored his son’s comments, choosing instead to refocus on the mansion with what limited materials he had. He feared what he’d be forced to consider when the last block was placed. He feared what Shappo’s next update would be.
Foolish laughed, the collection of other residents going into a similar fit as the translation tool malfunctioned. At some port they weren’t even sure what they were laughing about, like the sunbird disease had infected them all.
That’s when that creeping feeling down his spine happened again and he turned.
Behind him was just some random hill, nondescript and certainly not suspicious, yet he rubbed at his neck again anyway. He wasn’t sure when that habit started whenever he was nervous, after the first or second beheading. By the time he was ruling as the King of Fools, he’d already had it, so not the third beheading at least.
As much as he was a social butterfly, he was also rather good at sneaking away when needed. After the latest round of laughter from the various other residents, he took the opportunity to head to the hill anyway.
Predictably, there was nothing behind it, just more dirt and grass.
Foolish sighed, “I could have sworn…” He looked around, hand tightening around his own throat self-consciously.
He didn’t like this, not one bit.
Despite everything this was still the Federation’s land so whatever freedom he’d enjoyed only a week ago was gone until they could escape again. He was particularly concerned that his previous connections with the Federation may have put a target on his back. They won’t think twice about following him around and spying on his activities.
It was part of the reason he was so hesitant around Vegetta.
Foolish sat down with a huff, his ears twitching a bit as the others connected their conversation on the other side of it. He tried to ignore them as his mind went down a path he’d been trying to avoid.
Vegetta, Leo, Roier, Jaiden, Cellbit, Richas and Pepito—
So many people he was close to all ended up going missing or…gone.
Sure Vegetta was back, Roier too, back for how long? And if his previous employment was an issue, would speaking to them more only place that target firmer on their backs too? Even living with them was something he regretted, hence his attempts to build farther and farther off from the main mansion.
The other side of him wanted nothing more to be close however, thinking that maybe this time he could stop whatever took them away.
There was one thing for certain however…
Foolish ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated exhale, “They can’t know…” He whispered, as holding it all in for several days now was starting to get to him.
That’s when a branch snapped near him and he shot up, but there was nobody there when he looked. Just a stick broken in two. Foolish bent down, picking up the pieces with furrowed brows, “Cucurucho?” But no one answered.
Foolish revealed that “they can’t know.” while alone but otherwise seems to be acting as normal. He retrieved the two wands and these odd arms from Tubbo today, they’re for building? Will look into builders.
Vegetta scowled, shaking his head as he tore down the signs. He didn’t even bother putting up new orders, not when it was so obvious what was wrong.
It had to be Foolish’s taste for art and construction. Last time Vegetta had a home in a day, but this was already the fourth and all he had to show for him was a casing, an outline. So Foolish found another builder to admire, someone more worthy of his love.
Vegetta barely missed how he had to wipe at his eyes to see where he was placing the new sandstone Roier brought for him. The walls had to be done today at least, for he couldn’t be shown up when he—
When he what? Confronted his Foolish?
He wasn’t his in this life, that was obvious enough and as the calm and patient man he certainly was, he wouldn’t dare stir the pot. No— no— If Foolish truly found another, was happier with another, he won’t interfere. He shouldn’t…
But oh how much he missed his Foolish.
Vegetta stepped back, the wall he was looking on finished. He had a brief swell of pride before a voice caused that to crash.
“Oh nice! We almost have four walls now.” Foolish joked, walking up beside him, “I’m glad I got here but you worked on this too much though.”
Vegetta looked at the translation tool, then schooled his face so he wouldn’t frown in a fretting worry over that choice of words. Was this it? Was Foolish here to tell him not to worry about building their room because there would be no shared room?
“Ah Foolish, hello.” He spoke in his perfect English that definitely didn’t have a heavy Spanish accent. He was also perfectly calm when he spoke, his heart was not beating like a drum in his chest looking at this beautiful boy.
“Hola!” Foolish grinned, his sharp shark teeth glinting in the sunlight.
Sunlight that was only possible because Vegetta hadn’t made a roof yet because he was so slow in his older age and so clearly Foolish was looking into younger builder that could keep up with—
“Vegetta?” There was a hand on his shoulder, making him blink as he looked into emerald eyes, “You uh, zoned out on me there.” Foolish chuckled, “I haven’t even given you the gift yet.”
“¿Regalo?” Vegetta couldn’t help the little smile now, a flutter of hope sprouted in his chest. “Eh,” He paused thinking of his next sentence, “But… why?” He settled on. He didn’t feel all that deserving of gifts, not when their home was in such a state. Vegetta had barely managed to give Foolish anything this time around as without L— without help it was much more difficult to create tools for the other builder.
“Well, I remember everything you did for me last time so…” Foolish leaned back, balancing on the heels of his feet, with his hands suspiciously behind his back, “I wanted to try and make us even.” The tiburón revealed two tools Vegetta had sorely missed in each hand.
The wand of symmetry and even an extendo-grip. The very same gifts he’d given him. In fact, if Vegetta recalled correctly Foolish also gave him his first backpack here too. At first his eyes widened in glee and excitement, reaching eagerly for the tools, however the moment his hand touched the top of them he froze.
The other man’s words sunk in.
Make us even.
“You’re… leaving?” It was only a matter of time.
Foolish’s eyes widened this time, a little chuckle revealing that Vegetta had been correct. He knew this man too well now. “What? No… no, not… entirely…”
“What’s wrong?” He let go of the tools, a hand going to the handle of his blade, “Who do I have to kill?” He would find out from Shappo if he had to.
“No—no, no matar!” Foolish waved his hands frantically with the tools still tight in his grasp, “I’ll visit! Pero pensé que sería más seguro si me iba lejos…” But I thought it would be safer if I went far away…
Vegetta shook his head, “No, no, no,” He copied Foolish, “Estas mas seguro aqui.” You are more safe here.
Foolish sighed, “That’s not… what I meant. You’ll be safer if I’m far away.”
There was a beat of silence, the two staring at one another as Vegetta tried to process his words again. What he heard in both Spanish and English made no sense. Foolish was the one who needed safety, for as much as he admired the man, he acted like a… well he needed protecting more often than not. Vegetta didn’t mind, in fact a big part of him liked it perhaps too much…
“I don’t… understand.” Vegetta said at last, “You want to be even so you can leave and protect…me?”
“Yes.” Foolish said, “I’m not sure what more I can explain. Lo siento.”
Vegetta shook his head, “This is…you are… muy tontito.” He wasn’t sure what possessed him as he approached Foolish, taking his face in his hands. It was like a puzzle, how easily his palms curved around his cheeks as he forced the taller man’s head down to look at him, “Lamentablemente para ti, nunca estaremos a mano.” Unfortunately for you, we will never be even.
“Vegetta—” But Vegetta shook his head, placing one thumb over his lips.
“You see,” He started slowly, recalling words he needed desperately because he didn’t want Foolish looking at a stupid translation tool for this, “for two years we were separated. My heart… it was in pain thinking you could be out there alone… hurt.” Foolish’s brows furrowed in concern but he didn’t try to speak yet so Vegetta continued, “I see you again and you are, uh distante, hurting more than those two years apart.”
This right now, his hands cupping Foolish’s face, it was the first time they’d touched in years. He’d tried to hug Foolish on the ship, but that man with the odd name had interrupted their reunion. Looking into his dear Foolish’s eyes now, there was nothing more he wanted to do than kiss him but…
Foolish wasn’t looking at him anymore, eyes focused anywhere else.
He shouldn’t be doing this, this was not in his nature anymore. After those dreadful weddings, he shouldn’t force a hand that was so clearly unwanted! Vegetta let go of Foolish, taking a step backward as his shoulders slumped.
“Vegetta…” Foolish began, “I… I was being distant on purpose. You see… after the Federation took Leo—”
His head snapped up, “The Federation has our daughter? ¿No está muerta? ¿Explotó en un millón de pedazos?” She's not dead, exploded in a million pieces?
Foolish snorted, bringing a hand to cover a smile at his wording, “Well, yes, but there was nothing I could do and she insisted—”
“Do you know what this means?” Vegetta said, pivoting the conversation to something far more productive than Foolish pretending to leave! “Estamos aquí para encontrarla, juntos.” We are here to find her, together.
Foolish blinked, taken aback, “But, how? Also, they’re watching me.”
Vegetta waved his hand, “Oh, don’t worry, don’t worry.” He gestured to his sword, a simple diamond one and not the blessed moonlight greatsword of old but it would do.
Foolish rubbed at his neck, “I guess I’ve been doing a lot of that lately…”
“Si…” Then he whispered, “Tal vez los dos.”
“Hm?” Foolish’s ears twitched.
“Don’t worry!” Vegetta grinned, but it fell as he reached and wrapped his hands around Foolish’s waist. He reached his head over his chest giving him the hug he’d meant to earlier, “And… don’t leave.”
There was a clunk of metal hitting wood, then warm hands wrapped around him.
“No te preocupes.” Don’t worry. Foolish echoed, “I won’t.”
Vegetta looked up and was pleased to find emerald eyes staring back in earnest now. Then like it were the most natural thing in the world and not separated by years of longing and regrets— The pair reached out for one another into a kiss that felt eternal in how desperate it was. It wasn’t clear who broke away first, but it was Vegetta that spoke up.
“Don’t drop my tools on the ground. You will break them.” He scolded, but didn’t let go.
Foolish chuckled, “Lo siento… mi amor.”
“Ah, mi Foolish… my love.”
Perhaps he wouldn’t need that spy anymore...