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You would not believe your eyes if ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep
'Cause they'd fill the open air and leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude, but I would just stand and stare
A winter blanket settled across Quesadilla Island with a sweet sparkling softness, embracing these chaotic lands with a gentleness they were unused to, families slowly learning to trust the peace that found them. Calenders upon walls flipped through the months as Christmas approached, plans forming and love abundant throughout the found families that formed upon this island. Trusted with children they were given they fought like hell to protect them from everything the world tried to throw at them, and their harmony had been won through horrifying battles and fighting back against corrupt governments that tried to warp them.
Inside a home much to small for four yet overwhelmingly full of love too, a grizzled veteran flipped crispy bacon with a happy whistle surrounded by used teaspoons and measuring cups. Eggs of various styles lay waiting for their turn in the pan, the grease making them extra delicious. Fit found a new love in cooking after his rescue from Vaccus Island, providing for those he loved gave him a fulfillment that was addicting and spent this morning doing exactly that.
“There's my handsome husband!” Pac sidles up to his taller love with a flourish and a kiss upon his cheek covered in stubble, Fit unable to hold back his grin hearing the terminology used.
“Husband? Did we have our ceremony in my sleep? Why didn't you wake me for that?” The veteran playfully teases Pac, adoring the silver sparkles in his night sky eyes.
“Just practicing saying it.” Pac lays his left hand upon Fit's chest, his promise ring shining under the lights of the kitchen. “Our son wanted a spring wedding after all…”
Looking pointedly at the calender posted near their fridge, Fit chuckles seeing right through the blatant hints being practically tossed physically at him. “Well, my love, I've been thinking about a date and I am leaning towards the spring equinox, what do you think?”
Pac opens his mouth to answer just as Richas bursts in through the front door holding someone Fit hoped to never see again with a rush of cool winter air following him in before he kicks the door closed behind him. A beautiful snow-white feline with one sunshine yellow and one ice blue eye was clutched in his wild child's arms, posing as if they were meant to be there with a loud purr echoing through the room.
“You have got to be kidding me.” Fit's says with a deadpan tone, Pac's gaze peering between the two until his eyes widen in recognition.
“Is that—"
“Madagio.” Fit nearly growls, his hand clenching around the tongs he was using to flip the bacon sizzling away in the pan left abandoned on the stove.
Just as he uttered that name Ramón appeared from the basement elevator with a gasp seeing who his brother held, his own face shifting to concern seeing how Fit's fingers trembled with the white-knuckled grasp he had on the handle of the kitchen tool he held. Moving quickly to his father's side he pried the tongs from his hands and took over caring for their food as Pac walks over to Richas who is watching everything with a slowly shifting expression.
“Richas, where did you find them?” Pac addressed the brunette dragon hybrid whose bedhead curls were defying gravity beneath his knitted cow hat.
Tilting his head towards the front door, Pac blows out a heavy breath as Fit braces himself against the counter feeling his chest slowly start to clench like a vice. Ramón elbows the veteran to get his attention, miming deep breaths as Fit gathers his emotions together to face this with a level head.
“Why the fuck are you here?” Fit growls out, Madagio flicking their ear but refusing to respond as they cuddled closer to Richas with a loud purr. “I thought we were done.”
Pac seems utterly confused where to be as he switches looking between his love and his son, his expression slowly softening as Madagio blinks his unique eyes in Pac’s direction. “Well…maybe he can stick around just for Christmas…”
“We are just going to let them, stay? Are you kidding me?” Fit replies in a disbelieving tone, unconsciously shifting his stance so he is between Madagio and Ramón, waiting to see how his former boss reacts to that statement.
Wiggling out of Richas’s grasp Madagio makes their way over to Pac’s worn navy couch and leaps up, circling a few times before settling down and curling up like they were always meant to be there. As Fit absorbs this development in their Christmas morning Ramón removes the cooked bacon from the pan and pours in the first batch of eggs to be fried, ever so careful as he finishes the breakfast preparations Fit started as dawn was just peeking over the horizon. Richas prances off to find something else to amuse themselves as Pac moves to Fit’s side to grasp his hand, holding on tight and giving his handsome boyfriend a grounding point while he struggled with what to do from here.
“I mean…he hasn’t immediately stolen you away again…maybe he was just lonely?”
“He left me at the bottom of a cavern for moons! I only escaped because the Resistance saved me—” Fit’s anger burns away as he speaks and shifts into a soft vulnerable tone, still unable to pry his one working hazel eye away from his tormentor where he lays upon their couch.
As that last comment leaves his mouth Fit is shocked to see the tiniest hint of regret in Madagio’s eyes as they opened them once more to observe the conversation in front of them, the next words the veteran was going to speak died on his tongue as he wondered exactly what that meant. Taking another deep breath, he finally breaks his stare with Madagio to look at both his boyfriend and his son, Richas having disappeared into the basement a bit ago.
“Fine, just for Christmas.” He admits, sighing heavily afterwards. Pac clenches his hand tighter with a proud grin, snuggling up to his side and reminding Fit exactly what is important to him in this life with his mere presence alone. “But after that I am tossing them back outside before Santa arrives.”
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
Breakfast is a lovely time shared between the four family members, Fit pointedly looking the other way as Richas and eventually Ramón both sneak parts of their meals to Madagio who is beneath the table begging for food. Fit choose to focus on the day ahead instead, thinking of their plans to go spend some time baking with Phil and his family after they dig themselves out through the heavy blanket of snow that was only increasing as the hours ticked by.
It had been several worlds since Fit had seen so much snow but the child within his heart was incredibly happy with being surrounded by a white Christmas, the fluffy particles filled with the joy that should surround this festive holiday. They spend several minutes bundling their children into a warm amount of layers before they venture outside to at least clear out the pathway in front of Pac’s house. The veteran took one look at the trail leading to his own suspended home and vowed to clean that tomorrow instead, knowing it would take several hours and they were due at Phil’s home for sun high.
Of course, the moment they begin to attend to their responsibilities the family’s hereditary silliness takes over as Fit is suddenly pelted with a snowball from behind, he whirls around to see Ramón with the least convincing innocent look he’s ever seen on his face barely five minutes into shoveling out the front walkway.
“Ramón, my beautiful baby boy made in Heaven by the Goddess Herself, do you know who threw that?” Fit plays along, Ramón immediately throwing Pac under the bus by pointing at him. “How dare you, love of my life?”
Pac’s eyes widen before they shimmer with mischievousness, the laugh lines around his eyes deepening as he squints while smirking. Keeping eye contact as he kneels down to form his own ball of snow, he then tosses it gently towards Ramón who bursts into giggles as he attempts to flee into the blanket of fluffy precipitation that was nearly up to his hips before tripping and falling face first into a snowbank. Richas lets out a shriek as he tosses himself after his brother, the pair wrestling around in the snow as Pac and Fit work to clear more of the snow while their children amuse themselves.
They could have a thousand more mornings like this and it would never be enough for the veteran, briefly managing to forget his tormentor hiding from the cold inside their home. Eventually Ramón manages to convince them into creating rivaling snow forts, Pac hiding with Richas where Fit plotted with Ramón how to win this battle. They lose track of time and get covered in the fluffy particles they were originally trying to clear, Fit’s communicator buzzing with a message from Phil asking where they are reminding him of what else they planned to do today.
“Shit, Tio Phil was expecting us half an hour ago.” Fit stands up and flinches as Richas tosses one last snowball at his Pa, Ramón returning the favour as the family makes their way back from the field they were in the middle of after wrangling their two hatchlings towards the front door of their home to grab the ingredients needed.
“What did Phil need us to bring again?” Pac asks, throwing open his door as their children tumble forward, Fit checking his communicator again after typing a quick message back to his best friend.
“He said he was running low on sugar and if we had any cocoa beans those would also be appreciated…” The veteran lists as his children rustle through the cabinets searching for what he listed.
Pac’s fond giggle brings Fit’s attention back to reality, having to hold back from rolling his eyes seeing Madagio sprawled out in the picnic basket they planned to bring their supplies in. Richas was gently scritching them between the ears, an affectionate grin on his face as Pac snaps a photo using his camera. Tucking their goodies around the dozing cat, Fit mumbles under his breath the whole time insults and remarks about the fact Madagio had just wandered in and made themselves at home. Tucking the blanket slightly too tight around the cloud-white feline who lifts their lip in a sneer at his actions, Fit picks up the basket by the handle while Pac prepares both their kids for a day of baking.
Its an adorable sight, what he turns around to, with Pac helping their boys into aprons that had been crafted by Niki the previous Christmas before securing them back into their winter jackets. Richas wiggles and attempts to escape Pac slipping gloves onto his hands, with all the practice in the world Pac manages to get them back on his son before they push open the door back outside to the winter wonderland.
Cause I'd get a thousand hugs from ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance
A foxtrot above my head, a sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread
“Hello Death Family!” Fit dramatically slams open the doors to Phil’s cottage, his best friend somehow already covered in flour despite them not even starting to bake yet.
Chay and Lullah come bounding out from their living room to greet Ramón and Richas, hugs traded all around as Pac takes more photos of their children. Phil’s smile is a mile wide observing their loved ones greeting one another before he comes around the corner of their kitchen island to retrieve the woven basket Fit holds out. The old crow pauses, tilting his head as he sees the extra ingredient they brought with them.
“And who is this?” Phil snickers, taking the handle as Madagio lets out a yawn.
“They showed up on our front step and Richas brought them in, much to my dismay.” Fit’s disapproving voice gives away the answer, Phil’s stormy blue gaze widening as he looks at the cat one more time.
“Is that your former boss?”
“No idea why they are here, Pac convinced me to let them stay in the spirit of Christmas but the moment midnight hits I am tossing them right back outside.” Fit glares at Madagio, who cleans their paw without a care in the world until Richas comes over to scoop them up, letting out a loud meow of protest as he carries the feline back over to the other three waiting children. “I hope they dress them up in an embarrassing costume.”
Helping Phil lay out the measuring cups, spoons, bowls and tools they work together in perfect tandem as they crack jokes between them, their friendship extending far beyond this server to lands of harsher ice and bloodshed over territories. A place where the great veteran once knelt and made an alliance with one known as the Blood God because he learned what fear was after staring in those crimson eyes beneath a gold-gilded boar skull promising unmatched chaos and triumph.
Nudging the more muscular warrior out of his way with an iridescent wing, Phil prepares to make hot cocoa before they began their task of making gingerbread for the house building contest they intended to host later with their neighbours joining them. It would be a pleasantly busy evening filled with many members of their community and Fit soaked in every bit of joy he experienced to commit to his memory archives for eternity. Missa, Phil’s platonic husband, had since joined them with his guitar, alongside his daughter they played music together while the other three drafted up plans for the best gingerbread fortress Fit had ever seen. He honestly expected nothing less of his son, proud of the way his beautiful child worked to include all his fellow siblings in the plot they were concocting. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Madagio perched atop a cabinet watching everything through a slitted gaze, pretending to be asleep but still keeping watch.
Shaking that from his mind, Phil hands him a mug of steaming cocoa to distract him before serving everyone else in attendance, his perfect hosting skills present in each check in with their children alongside stopping to nudge his forehead against Missa’s with the sweetest smile.
Of course as Pac swept back into gaze from where he had been on their fishing porch taking a breather Fit’s eyes found his future husband’s immediately as his breath was stolen away. His future lay in every sweet curve of Pac’s beautiful features, his home within their every touch and his everything caged within his sturdy ribcage which guarded Pac’s generous heart. Fit understood what true love was more with each breath they spent together, beyond ecstatic to call this man Ramón’s father and his life partner all wrapped up in one amazing soul, and he was so lucky to call the flirty copper-skinned brunette his.
Catching Madagio’s calculating and piercing eyes from the corner of his, he makes a point to walk to Pac’s side and press a kiss to his cheek, his boyfriend’s musical giggle soothing every ache he felt in that exact heartbeat. After one more steadying breath he joins Phil where the blonde crow waits by the counter, preparing to be put to work in helping make the rest of their day possible.
“He’s good for you.” Phil mentions softly, beginning to measure out the flour required as written in the well-loved recipe book nearby.
“He’s to good for me.” Fit corrects with a deep grin, tossing another glance to the man he trusted with his back even in the middle of war. “We both know he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. On occasion I wake up and still can’t believe this is my life now. Gifted two beautiful children and falling in love with Pac have given me the space to be a better man, and my Goddess I hope it lasts until the day I take my final breath.”
“I have a feeling it will mate, these memories are very important to both of us especially in bolstering our ancient hearts.” Speaking as only a fellow immortal can understand, Fit nods in agreement as they lapse into their craft, putting aside their talks of forever to form the perfect gingerbread dough as Phil’s oven heats.
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems (When I fall asleep)
Fit is perfectly content where he is cuddled into Pac’s side on the couch, overseeing their kids as they make their gingerbread castle with Empanada, Sunny and Leo’s help. Their parents had also joined the hangout, alongside Cellbit and Roier as well. It was far too many people to be crammed into the Death Family’s cottage, but somehow it didn’t feel crowded, in fact it felt exactly right.
Tubbo’s peal of laughter interrupts Fit’s scan of everyone present, drawing his focus back to where the hatchlings favourite Tio sat in the middle covered in glitter while writing modifications of the already impressive fortress their kids had started building the foundations for. Instead of annoyed all the kids watched over his shoulder in fascination how their clever uncle reinforced certain portions to better support the weight of the structure they intended to build, Fit yet again counting his blessings watching Ramón’s tiny frame practically burst with happiness as he leans against Tubbo’s shoulder.
“They are so sweet together, hm?” Pac whispers to Fit who lets out a soft chuckle, nuzzling closer to his love.
“Ramón learns so much from Tubbo, its rare to find a soul who can keep up with our boys intellect yet Tubbo has it in spades and encourages Ramón’s growth. Perhaps we should arrange another sleepover with Leo and Sunny soon, its been a while since the last one.”
“Am I allowed to take pictures of the tea party this time?” Pac pleads, putting those dark wonderful eyes to use begging his veteran stronghold until he crumbles under the pressure Pac knows how to apply with an expertise that surprised them both on occasion.
“As long as you promise to never share those photos.” Fit plays along, delighting in how Pac’s gaze sparkles as he nods quickly. “Fine. But in exchange Sunny is allowed to braid your hair and add whatever accessories she wants.”
“Deal!” Pac giggles, snuggling closer to Fit with a satisfied hum as they look around at the life that had formed around them as they let themselves be loved truly and deeply. There were many lessons along the way, such as having to swallow their pride and allow themselves to be vulnerable when the situation need it, but Fit wouldn’t trade any of that for the world he found himself within.
Ramón helped his sisters dye portions of the icing bright shades of pastel while Chayanne held the foundation together as their first round of reinforcing solidified, Empanada and Leo dividing up the rest of the brought decorations such as sprinkles and candies into different piles. Niki, Tina and Jaiden moved to Tubbo’s side to help as well, laughter aplenty shared between this found family based on trust and trials by agony and blood that eventually had led to this peace they were reveling in. Bagi was helping Phil clean the various bowls and tools used to craft the project their kids were now working on, singing along to the music Missa and Lullah wove together from where they played.
Fit wrapped the apparent love around his once shattered heart and feels himself heal just a little bit more. Burying his face into Pac’s silk hair, he hums under his breath along to the melody being woven in the corner by Lullah and Missa. Pac settles further into his boyfriend’s strong arms with the sweetest agreement, both watching their children have the widest smiles as Tubbo encourages their clever nature and guides them through troubleshooting weaker portions of the structure.
How wonderful his life had become, surprising everyone as he eventually extracts himself from Pac’s arms to join the musical duo in their song, removing a well-worn guitar from his inventory and joins in seamlessly with the reaper and his daughter. Missa smiles encouragingly as Fit found his place in the improvised melodies, Ramón observing his father wiping tears from his eyes while his father enjoys his hobby in the company of his family and dearest friends.
At one point Lullah sneaks a whole plate of fish to Madagio where they perch on the table. They consume it quickly before returning to their place atop the highest cabinet, dozing with their eyes open the smallest amount watching everything happen below.
In the back of his mind Fit is still trying to figure out what Madagio is doing here, months after he was kidnapped to another world and left to rot in a cavern until he was rescued. Every time he got up to fetch materials for the gingerbread fortress after playing a few more songs with Missa and Lullah he tossed a look to where Madagio lounged. Even though they pretended to nap, Fit knew they were observing everything.
Leave my door open just a crack
(Please take me away from here)
'Cause I feel like such an insomniac
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep?
Once the fortress is complete they spend a few more hours decorating gingerbread humans and creatures to scatter around adding more life to the scene. Its a massive piece once complete, nearly taking up the entirety of Phil’s dining room table. The crow manages to wrangle their children into poses before it, taking plenty of pictures to remember the moment as they look proudly over what they have built together with the help of their Tio Tubbo. Without even having to be asked Phil promises to print out an extra few copies for Fit to take home, giving a wink to his best friend while mumbling it before Missa helps herd all the children present into the living room.
Passing out stockings full of candy and small nick-knacks, everyone opens them with great enthusiasm cheering over what they find inside. Fit admires the haul as Ramón and Richas compare what they have gotten, mostly sugar but there is a unique wooden carving in each that represents each hatchling. Ramón is cradling a small gear where Richas holds a cow, each child passing along their thanks to the proud crow who oversees everything, looking perfectly within his element while getting tackled by his own kids showing their gratitude.
Walking towards the front door, he mutters to Phil he just needs to take a moment outside and will gather the firewood for the campfire they have decided to light the moment the sun set. As winter had arrived, that evening darkness was already creeping forth even though it was only mid-afternoon, Fit locating a torch just in case before he proceeds to walk to the meadow behind Phil’s home.
The Death Family cottage shared the same island as Cellbit’s castle, the contrast quite hilarious between the avian roost being surrounded by flowers and birds where Cellbit’s was the opposite, all black, gray and stone of various textures. The veteran began searching for trees Phil had already marked to cut down, knowing his friend had a very specific process for his harvests he spotting the carvings nearly instantly and got to work on chopping down a pine tree that showed signs of sickness.
As he works his way through his third tree he is suddenly joined by Madagio, looking quite put off by the snow below their feet until they finally make their way to Fit’s wood pile and perch on top of it.
“You still haven’t told me why you are here, I know you can understand me, fur ball.” Fit spits out, finding himself to be annoyed while fighting back the panic that arrives with Madagio’s appearance. Splitting another log with an unnecessary amount of force, the two pieces of wood go flying as he curses under his breath, the force painfully jarring his arm where it attaches at his shoulder.
“I thought after that verbal smack-down the Death Goddess gave you I would never see you again. You can’t take me back, She promised her protection for both myself and my loved ones.”
Tossing those worlds at his former boss were certainly quite cathartic, in those odd gold and sky blue depths he saw the cavern he rotted away within and his anger grew to another level pointing directly at the snow white feline. “I know its Christmas but my grace can only go so far, you best disappear by tomorrow without harming anyone I care about or I will fetch the Goddess’s husband to inform him you didn’t listen to Her commands.”
Cleaning their paw, their voice suddenly appears within Fit’s thoughts, making him shrink back holding the ax between him and the threat. “So this is the family you gave up your chance at retirement for…interesting.”
“They are my everything.” Fit responds weakly, taking several deep breaths in an attempt to release the tension before he meets Madagio’s piercing gaze once more when his strength returns. “My heart evolved while I was here, instead of passively existing I learned how to thrive. I was given a beautiful child to adore, a partner to love and so much more. I reignited ancient alliances and forged new ones, I found a purpose in those who saw me at my worst and still chose to love me.”
“I can see that.” Responding back simply, Madagio sweeps their head back towards the cottage with their eyes narrowed against the chilly winds that were following the evening darkness as it swept over the land. “To be completely transparent I was searching through worlds for my next base as Vaccus is inhabitable now and accidentally stumbled into this world. I didn’t even mean to cross your path, I was curious where your life had lead you since we last saw one another.”
The conversation comes to a pause after that comment, Fit still watching the cat warily while waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“You’ve done well for yourself.” Fit takes a step back in surprise, Madagio giving a single nod before leaping off the wood pile. “You have my word we shall never cross paths again, protect those you love Fit, for they adore you with every sweet gesture and look I’ve seen.”
Without a backward glance, they take off towards the portal just off Phil’s dock, a sudden lightness overtaking Fit watching them leave. He ponders it for a few heartbeats more before deciding to take them at their word, gathering together some of the split logs to bring back to the front of the cottage.
To ten million fireflies, I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell (They said farewell)
But I'll know where several are if my dreams get real bizarre
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar (Jar, jar, jar)
Waving behind them after a lovely campfire where they made hot cocoa and s’mores, Fit and Pac entangle their hands together as they leave the Death Family cottage. Phil had graciously offered to host a sleepover this Christmas Eve, something that was heavily encouraged by Ramón and Richas. After all, the couple would be returning Christmas morning for presents and breakfast, but for now they had a dinner date to attend to and Fit craved some time with just his boyfriend.
Pac shivers and tucks closer to Fit’s broad side, a snicker escaping the veteran’s chapped lips as he wraps him tighter into his arms making their way to the way-stone hidden beneath Phil’s stairs. Warping back to Pac’s home they make their way inside quickly, helping one another out of their winter gear Fit sweeps Pac into a tight hug, reveling in how perfectly they fit together with Pac tucking the crown of his head beneath Fit’s grizzled chin. Humming a tune he composed under his breath, Fit absorbs his partner’s freely given affection as they squeeze one another tight.
Eventually Fit’s stomach growls, drawing a musical giggle from Pac as he steps back out of the hug, Fit’s weak protests bringing a wide smile to both their faces. Reaching a thin hand up to cup Fit’s jaw, Pac brings him in for a sweet kiss before retreating to the kitchenette near the back wall. “What are you craving for dinner, my love?”
“Anything easy and quick. I could use with some serious cuddle time before bed so the sooner we can be there the better.” Fit teases in a light tone, enjoying the light blush that crosses Pac’s face before he agrees quickly, looking around the room once more afterwards.
“Where’s your boss by the way? I haven’t seen them in a while…”
“Gone.” A blunt response that brings Pac’s attention back to Fit, raising one eyebrow in the middle of setting a mixing bowl on the counter.
“Want to talk about it?”
“While I was out splitting wood for the campfire they joined me and we had a chat. Madagio stated they arrived here by accident while searching for a new world to occupy and decided to see what I was up to. They then reinforced this would be the last time we would see each other, made a few positive observations about our family, and walked off into the night.” Rubbing the back of his neck, Fit considers the conversation yet again before shrugging. “I can’t give you any proof but I trust them in this being the last time we will see one another. There was a finality to their tone that’s hard to explain but in my gut I know it to be true.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” Pac sidles up to Fit and presses himself into his side, reassuring and grounding his partner while they draw comfort from one another. “I hate to break it to Richas his new friend already left but its for the best. Now we have you all to ourselves.”
That possessive tone that claims Pac’s voice brings a warmness to the veteran’s face, very much enjoying each time that side of his boyfriend shows in how protective he was over him and their family unit. Dropping a kiss to Pac’s temple, he walks them back over to the counter and smiles at the ingredients he has already dug out for them.
“Hmmmm, seems like something sweet.” Fit muses, picking up the bag of chocolate chips which Pac lets out a laugh.
“Pancakes for dinner?” Pac offers while pulling out their container of sugar, Fit following suit with the icing sugar to dust on top of their finished product.
“Sounds perfect.”
They work together to form the batter, doing so in a timely matter despite the mini food fight between combining ingredients that left them both covered in flour and breathless from laughter. After Fit heats up a frying pan they begin pouring their portions onto the sizzling, butter covered pan, their mouths watering waiting for their pancakes to cook.
After they both have a few pancakes on their plate they settle in on Pac’s couch and draw the curtains away from the windows to stargaze while eating their supper. Fit selected a record to play on the nearby gramophone, setting the volume low before he sits down holding both their plates as Pac sweeps a blanket around them and they snuggle close while digging into their sweet meal. Lips sticky with syrup, kisses are exchanged which makes the other laugh between the soft conversation ranging through various different topics as they watched the moon rise above the horizon to hanging among the dancing shimmering silver stars above. After they finish Fit stacks their plates and puts them on the counter, returning to where Pac is sitting with his hand held out.
Without question Pac places his hand in Fit’s, allowing the taller man to pull him upright and straight into his strong arms. Absorbing the happy noise Pac made directly into his soul, he guides them through the first steps of a simple waltz along to the music they had used as background for their meal.
“I could stay here forever.” Pac mumbles against Fit’s chest, following Fit’s lead and swaying with the music.
“Would you?” Fit replies, feeling the smile press against his chest before Pac raises his head so they are looking eye to eye.
“So that spring wedding…when do we want to start sending out invitations?”
“Oh Goddess, we should probably do that soon, hmm?” Fit nuzzles their foreheads together, utterly head over heels for this man he held in his arms. “Well, I am pretty sure we could recruit Sunny for her amazing designing skills to make them, cause honestly I have no idea where to start.”
“Our god-daughter would be disappointed if we didn’t include her within the planning.”
“I think that’s a pretty wide spread sentiment.” Pac smirks with Fit’s comment, thinking of at least five people who shared that feeling. “It’s a wonderful thing just how many people care for us here.”
“There is certainly no shortage of love for us and our children, we are truly blessed.”
They dance together for a few songs longer, forming a wonderful memory together under the Christmas Eve moon while discussing their upcoming union. Fit found himself to be excited for the event instead of as apprehensive as he once was. Perhaps it was finally gaining closure from being under Madagio’s control for so long, he didn’t recognize the paranoia he still held in his heart up until their final conversation today when it finally released, a certainty rang through their words that he finally believed. It was so freeing being able to plan this future with his family and especially Pac, realizing he knew what his purpose was in life, and that was loving and protecting everyone he held dear.
Dishes go quickly as yawns become closer and closer together, both making their way to the basement and changing into their pajamas before collapsing on the bed in the middle of Pac’s storage system. The couple echoes each others groans sitting back up to remove their artificial limbs, Pac helping Fit remove his arm while Fit unattached Pac’s prosthetic below the knee. Plugging them into charge they crawl beneath the thick knitted blanket and become a wonderful tangle of limbs with Pac tossing his leg across Fit’s and the veteran wrapping his arm beneath his boyfriend’s head to pull him as close as possible. He was well aware in the middle of the night they’d both grow too hot but he couldn’t find it within himself to care, treasuring every possible moment they experience together knowing exactly how precious they are after the ordeals they have faced.
“I am so glad to spend this life with you, Fitchie.” Pac comments softly, Fit’s eye immediately watering with the overwhelming love he felt for this man cradled within his arms.
“The rest of my heartbeats are yours Pac, always. You, Ramón and Richas have encouraged me to be a better man and helped me prepare for the best journey of my life, which is being your husband in this chaotic world. I adore you Pac, Merry Christmas Eve.”
“Merry Christmas Eve, my love.” Pac reaches up to press a kiss to his cheek before both of them relax, allowing sleep to claim them wrapped up in each other’s embrace.
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems (When I fall asleep)
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems (When I fall asleep)
Knocking on Phil’s door, the crow beckons the couple in early on Christmas morning, the sun still appearing above the distant horizon with insulated coffee mugs clutched in their free hands. The sounds of children’s joy rings through the door even before Fit pushes it open, walking inside spotting his best friend finishing up cleaning after breakfast and all four of their children in the living room staring at the could who just arrived.
Fit wonders what exactly they are staring at until he catches Ramón’s gaze looking above their heads, peering upwards to see a small bundle of white berries wrapped in crimson, silk ribbon. Letting out a dry chuckle, Pac follows his hazel eye and catches sight of the mistletoe above their heads as a coy smile breaks across his face.
“Well, well, well—” Not even letting his beautiful partner finish his sentence, he sweeps Pac into his arms and dips him deep, pressing their lips together with flourish much to the affectionate yet dismayed sounds of those around them. Hearing no real malice, Fit enjoys the moment for just a bit longer until he brings them both upright in a smooth gesture he was extremely proud of himself for.
“Exactly as intended.” Ramón wrote on the sign he held, looking up at his father’s with sunshine-yellow eyes bright with affection. “Merry Christmas, Dads.”
Kneeling down the couple hugs their precious son with their hearts so full of warmth Fit was surprised his hadn’t burst. Richas also tackles them and is absorbed into the family moment, the veteran faintly registering a camera shutter sound as Phil captures yet another moment for Fit’s photo albums that were slowly filling a shelf at his home. He found true happiness in their presence and committed every breath to memory, eventually standing back up and is led over to the living room nearby where a fresh spruce tree was set up with unique handmade ordamanets covering its branches between.
There were several presents stacked and scattered beneath, Fit yet again reminding himself to thank his best seeing the presents he had prepared for their kids arrived there as well. Speaking of, Phil presses a fresh mug of black coffee into Fit’s hands who leans into Phil’s wing that reached out to embrace him close to his side. The crow is several inches shorter than him yet that didn’t detract from how safe he felt in the old crow’s presence.
“You are a lifesaver Phil.” He mumbles before taking a long sip, wincing the smallest amount at the scalding temperature but needing the jolt to wake fully up, still somewhat lost in a stupor after his scorching smooch on his boyfriend.
Letting himself get lost in the bitter taste of coffee on his tongue and the wonderful sight before him, Pac helping both their hatchlings pick out a gift each before he finds one for everyone else gathered, giving everyone the chance to open a present at the same time. The morning progresses slowly yet exactly on track as wrapping gets tossed everywhere, laughter aplenty as this found family enjoys their Christmas together.
After their presents Fit takes a breather sitting on the end of Phil’s fishing dock, looking up at the sky and sending his thanks to the Goddess above. He found himself feeling it often these days, between the endless wells of love and space to heal himself so he could feel the affection provided unconditionally he was grateful for many things since their train crashed here upon these lands.
A haunting melody of bells from another dimension plus the cold hand pressed against his cheek answers his prayers, pulling away after Her reassurance is given but Fit trusts the fact She is only a thought away. Her’s were the eyes he preferred observing his every move, adding another reason to his list of why he is the luckiest archivist who has allowed himself to love again after coming from wastelands of dust and bloodshed. Fit found an eternity worth pursuing upon Quesadilla Island, and he’s spend forever showing his family how much they had come to mean to him.
What a wonderful life he now had, and he promised himself he’d spend every remaining heartbeat treasuring and protecting those who had helped melt this old, scarred veteran’s frozen heart starting with this wonderful Christmas day ahead.
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams