Archive of Our Own

There's a shop down the street

Where they sell plastic rings

For a quarter a piece, I swear it

Yeah, I know that it's cheap

Not like gold in your dreams

But I hope that you'll still wear it

The morning after Pac fell asleep, a crimson rose streaked in night colours bloomed miraculously through a crack in the cave they were using as their shelter and filled the space with its heady and unique scent.

Fit awoke in that cavern they claimed as their own since the beginning directly beside his everything, as he did each morning since they arrived on this new world called the Realm among both old and new faces alike. Peering around he couldn’t find Badboyhalo so he stoked the embers from last night’s fire in preparation to make breakfast. Going about his normal routine, Pac’s continued slumber didn’t worry Fit until the noon hour came and he still hadn’t risen.

To his horror, when he went to awaken his beautiful boyfriend, he wouldn’t respond.

Trying to ignore the worries that threatened to choke him, Fit tries to assuage his concerns by thinking of how he knew Pac could travel through his dreams for brief periods, a gifted ability by the Goddess who protected them both. Her blessing was how they escaped the end of their previous world alongside their kids, who were spending time in a safe space growing up far away from the danger they experienced throughout their childhood. Fit misses their babies desperately but knew it was for the best, under the Goddess’s protection is one of the most absolutely safe places to be while they traversed this new world they had been summoned to.

He spent the next few days setting up a base for them within this cavern they had claimed as their own, somewhere they could be protected from monsters of the night. Each evening he laid back down at Pac’s slumbering side, kissed his forehead, and hoped the next day he’d wake up.

But he didn’t.

And nothing Fit could do would rouse him.

In a state of panic, he goes to his longest ally upon these lands, a retired warrior turned lumberjack who used his connections to find out Pac’s consciousness had been swept away to another land. Neither were sure how long he would be gone, of course all of them had experienced this before but as the weeks passed afterwards Fit could only grow more concerned.

He built protective walls around his love’s sleeping form, only letting those he trusts know the location to check up on him when he couldn’t, and Fit waited for any sign that Pac would awaken while more roses crawled across the crags of stone surrounding him.

It became emotionally exhausting worrying when they would be reunited, each time Fit laid down next to Pac's unresponsive yet beautiful form his soul cracked the smallest amount more. He had to swallow back the betrayal that threatened to choke him the first night he spent in the castle of the faction he swore himself to instead of at Pac’s side, for his own sanity needing a moment away yet the veteran was wracked with guilt the whole time. It was now exactly a moon since Pac had fallen asleep and Fit was at a loss as to what to do, splitting his time between that cavern and the castle grounds he was helping establish.

His fellow Kingdom members knew a little about his plight but he only told everything to a select few, a deep depression consuming his heart with the absence of its light. It felt like a struggle to force himself through each day, throwing himself into distraction after distraction just to keep himself occupied.

Helping the Royal Architect plan out and begin constructing her castle worked well, and when he wasn’t doing that he was helping Sneeg in his forge craft weapons to use in defence of the Kingdom of Fools. Between those two obligations he’d be out bothering Phil on the isolated mushroom island he chose to take up residence upon. This realm was inhabited by a mix of people from his past and souls he wouldn’t mind getting to know better in the future, but his most precious bond was only causing him pain with Pac’s continued slumber.

He worried constantly, nearly talking Phil and Sneeg’s ear off about it as they were two on a very short list of people he trusted with the person he was most vulnerable about. To the crow’s credit, his patience held out each time he assured Fit one day Pac would reawaken, though he was dream walking everyone he had ever seen returned once they finished the mission they were assigned. On the rare chance they didn’t Phil would know because his beloved was the Death Goddess, something that continued to surprise Fit each time he was reminded then he reminisced on anytime he spent time in the same room as the couple and their love was displayed in each tiny, caring gesture shared.

Of course, eventually it came to the King of Fool’s attention that the monk who often came by didn’t truly have a home, refusing to hear out the fact he was still living in the gnome hole he offered space within their castle walls. Fit couldn’t bear setting up anything but a tent, but it was at least a place for him to store a few things that he didn’t really care if they got stolen. All his most important things were kept within his inventory and within reach anyways, beyond the soul he was protecting deep within the planet they resided upon.

After he was done wallowing in grief waiting for someone who had yet to return to his side, he attempted to force himself out of depression by rigorously training each day. Running laps of the castle walls as dawn painted the sky in its morning colours, he would then spend the rest of the morning in the trial chamber below their castle where he would fight mobs until exhaustion threatened to drag him to the floor. Only appearing for lunch and finding out if his help was required, he would then take the journey over to the gnome hole to check on Pac.

Yeah, the ink may stain my skin

And my jeans may all be ripped

I'm not perfect

But I swear I'm perfect for you

Brushing away the fallen rose petals around his love, Fit presses their foreheads together before laying a kiss on the middle of his brow whispering how much he missed him. Threading his calloused fingers through Pac's nearly shoulder-length deep brown hair, he wonders about trimming it briefly before deciding against it. He didn't want to do anything without Pac's consent, tracing his sharp jawline with a tender touch Fit yet again prays Pac will wake up soon.

Smoothing out the thick forest green blanket that covers his boyfriend, silence grows between the slumbering man and the one who wanted him to awaken with everything he had.

"Where are you, Pac?" Fit chokes out the question, ignoring the tears dropping down his scarred cheeks before they soak into the collar of his bomber jacket.

The crimson petals crown his head like the most beautiful circlet, only highlighting how lovely Pac's face was. But it was also impossibly smooth, missing the wrinkles of joy when he laughed and the fond look deep within his hypnotizing and enticing dark gaze when he looked at the veteran. His thoughts whirled with a cacophony of small moments since these two souls had met over what felt like a lifetime ago now, they held each other at their worst and celebrated their best together. As a couple they had parented two children of their own and were uncles to so many more, fighting to protect those moments of peace that formed them as a family and a relationship.

Though their children were off learning new experiences he had still hoped to spend this lifetime at Pac's side, but his dream walking appeared to have other plans leaving Fit wilting away without his sunlight. To be loved is to be changed, a saying Fit heard ages ago, currently felt all too real cause how did people deal with all this sorrow that threatened to drown him the longer Pac remained slumbering with his mind far beyond reach.

Crinkling paper reminded Fit what he held in his prosthetic hand, tears blurring his gaze reading the invitation to the Kingdom of Fools Masquerade Ball to happen in a little over a week. Ros had asked him a little bit ago if he'd like to attend and while he helped her set up some of the decorations he pondered the question, knowing if he had his first choice that he would invite Pac in a heartbeat. But in his current state, that was not possible and he wondered just how long he could wait for his love before he went insane.

He felt half there already, barely getting through dawn through dusk currently. When he wasn't working himself to death through tasks or favours for those who asked, the veteran was pushing his body to its limits with the constant physical exertion just to wear himself out so the thoughts would quieten when he inevitably nearly passed out into a heavy sleep sometimes interrupted by dreams teasing what he wanted most.

Laying the invitation on the wooden side table nearby, his fingers brush the rose vines that had practically encapsulated this room, fragrant sanctuary forever waiting alongside his soulmate for the brunette man to awaken.

Yet again he lays a tender kiss on Pac's forehead while whispering how much he loved him, Fit then exited the room with a heavy heart and weighted limbs.

He isn't positive how he made it back to the castle, especially as night crept forth with the monsters it housed under the cover of darkness. Blinking his awareness back to his hazel eyes as his feet walked him through the impressive stone archway that guarded the Yellow Faction's base, he drags himself over to his tent round the left side of the massive structure the Kingdom of Fools called home.

Laying down on a blanket he rolled out previously, he stares up at the sky above trying to calm his racing heart as anxiety crept beneath his skin making his fingers tremble. The highs and lows of the emotional rollercoaster his mind whirled him threw left him with a void of tiredness no amount of sleep could fulfill.

He had fallen so deeply into his thoughts his awareness failed him, as suddenly Sneeg and Phil were standing beside him and surprised him when they interrupted his view to the starry sky above. Without a word they split apart and joined him on either side offering their silent support as Fit tries not to let grief pull him under, everyone present was wearing their casual robes preparing to lay down to sleep soon.

"He's still asleep?" Phil is the first to speak, asking the terrible question they were pondering.

Fit is unable to answer as his throat chokes up, nodding instead as Sneeg lets out a sigh before he reaches out to grasp the veteran's metal hand as Phil takes the other before continuing the conversation.

"Are the roses around him still alive?" Fit repeats his nod and Phil gives a sigh of relief with a small smile as Fit meets his sky gaze. "She's still watching him then, if they ever start to wilt that's when we should worry but I am positive he is in good hands."

"Phil, it's been several moons since we arrived. He has been awake once, how are we supposed to enjoy this world together when only one of us is awake to experience it?" Fit's voice nearly breaks in the middle, his normally sonorous tones stumbling to speak aloud what he had been spiraling over for far too long.

"I'm sorry, man." Sneeg can only sympathize, clasping their hands tighter. "Neither of you should have to go through this."

"I don't know how much longer I can wait…" It feels like acid across his tongue speaking those words, worried about the the depressed ghosts that haunted his every thought recently. "The hope held within my heart is starting to die, I love that man with everything I have and I was looking forward to a calmer time here. Though factions were formed I know how to deal with hierarchies, and it's been wonderful being around familiar faces but…but—"

"We aren't Pac." Phil supplies gently, Fit clenching his jaw as a few tears spill forward from his hazel gaze. "If I knew any way to help you know I would, but this is something he must face alone."

Fit feels like he is in his teenage years the way his heart aches with how long they have spent apart, like a well running empty his motivation was evaporating each time the beautiful yet tragic vision of his soulmate's slumbering face crosses his mind. "You know what's stupid?"

Sneeg hums, waiting for Fit to speak.

"Y'know the Ball coming up? I finally thought there was maybe a chance he would as he's the only one I want at my side so I have been praying ever since Ros told me of the event. But he hasn't…and I visited him today with the invitation in a desperate intent that maybe it was finally time but no…he is still asleep and I am still awake. Why the hell were we sent to this world only for him to be so far beyond my reach? I am caring for his shell, missing all the warmth and joy that broke through the walls around my heart back on Quesadilla Island."

Only crickets fill the air after he finishes talking, unable to hold back the sobs. Sneeg and Phil sit up and drag him with them, wrapping their arms around the veteran and holding him together as his heart shatters within his chest into a million pieces, scratching his tender flesh open and filling his ribcage with thick blood, at least that's what it felt like. Phil's huge crow wings envelop them in another layer of comfort, offering their support to their longtime friend in the only way they could.

This trio of friends had met years ago on a world far away and from the moment they met they trusted each other, a surprising thing for the levels of paranoia they all carried within themselves. An alliance was sworn upon ice and snow, which held up to this day including the legendary warrior Technoblade. Fit's memory archives sort through many instances where they had proved their worth to each other, leading to this connection remaining strong despite the many sunrises since.

"We are here for you Fit, always." Phil mumbles, Sneeg rubbing his back as they comfort their brother-in-arms the only way they know how.

And there's no guarantee

That this will be easy

It's not a miracle you need

Believe me

Yeah, I'm no angel, I'm just me

But I will love you endlessly

Wings aren't what you need

You need me

"He's awake!" Bad's voice erupts out of the communicator Fit sleepily answered, sitting straight up at the demon's words.

"Really?" His usually deep voice is even more so right now, rough and scratchy in the morning air as he crawls out of his tent nearly tripping over himself.

"When I came to check on him this morning I found him awake and holding the invitation to the Ball."

"Fitchie?" Pac's enchanting voice is soft in the background, the emotions that overwhelm him hearing his wonderful boyfriend speak nearly made him collapse. After a mumbled conversation Fit can barely make out and noises of shuffling as the communicator is handed over, suddenly his love is on the other side. "Fitchie, is that you?"

"Oh Pac." Fit can barely speak, Pac sounding similarly affected as he replies in a watery tone.

"I'm here dear, I'm awake now."

"I'm coming over, just give me like five minutes to get dressed—"

"What's this about a Ball today?" Pac changes the topic suddenly as there is the rustling of paper in the background, his sweet voice twisted with affectionate mischief. "If we are going, we need to look our best, so as much as I want to see you perhaps we could dress up a bit first as I assume you were asking me to be your date."

The smile that splits Fit's face is the largest it has been in moons, peering down at his torn clothes with a contemplative gaze after. "Give me an bit?"

"Bad already said he will show me the way to the castle, I assume that is where you reside as I've been informed you swore yourself to the Yellow Faction."

"Pac, I am so sorry—" Fit mistakes his intent, stopping talking the moment Pac cuts him off.

"I am not blaming you, I only wanted to see where you ended up while I was away. We can talk about it in person, okay, but I promise I am not upset." His love comforts, Fit absorbing those words into his soul.

"Okay. Meet me here at sunhigh?"

"Sunhigh it is. See you soon, handsome."

The moment Pac hangs up Fit takes off at a sprint around the castle and bursts through Sneeg's door of his house carved out of a cavern found to the left of the castle, glad to see both Phil and the blacksmith already awake and present as they regard him with raised eyebrows, the crow's mouth open wide in mid-yawn. The pair were still in their pajamas with messy hair, clearly not long after waking up the brunette blacksmith was currently pouring coffee into two mugs standing beside where Phil was leaning against the counter of his small kitchenette.

"Pac's awake! I need a suit for the Ball!" Fit speaks quickly, both his friends looking bright with joy as the sleep is wiped from their expression. Sneeg has already turned and disappears into the castle as Phil cheers and rushes over to his friend, hugging him quickly before he leans back to meet their gazes together.

"Well, we need to clean you up before you see him then. Go take a bath, I assume Sneeg went to inquire with Foolish whether he has a spare outfit you can borrow as you two are closer in size." Phil shoos Fit off to the bathhouse where he finally cleans up for the first time in recent memory, even shaving down his scratchy beard from where it had grown out in recent months.

Returning to Sneeg's chambers he is pleasantly surprised to find King Foolish himself, who looks ecstatic as obviously he had been caught up by the other two, still wearing his royal blue dressing gown but his golden crown was firmly in place atop his lengthy raven hair woven back into a braid. Draped over his arm is a clean set of clothes, which he hands over to Fit with a wide smirk.

"Sneeg told me, I am so happy and am excited to see Pac again, though I can't imagine I hold a candle to how much you are feeling right now."

Though Foolish put up a silly front, there was an observant soul behind those emerald eyes that had a gift for diplomacy that always caught those who underestimated him off guard. Where Fit came from, he shared a background with Phil in regards to preferring anarchy over bending a knee to any type of royalty, but Foolish was both their exceptions in that regard. He ruled with kindness and refused to hide behind his subjects, if they were in danger so was he which was a pleasant difference to the kings Fit had slain in the past.

"If the suit needs any alterations before the Ball Ros has volunteered to do so after they finish gathering a bouquet of flowers from the Royal Gardens for you. I tried to offer to do so instead but she insisted." Phil adds, Fit practically overwhelmed with how quickly everyone came together to do everything they could to make sure this reunion goes perfectly. "Now, go get changed big guy, no time to waste."

Gesturing for him to go behind the pitch-black curtains surrounding a space in the corner where Sneeg and Phil's beds are, Fit pulls on the formal suit quickly while tugging at certain places to make sure it rested well. All the training he had been putting himself through showed in how much of his musculature had returned, with the few spaces it clung close to his flesh. It was a tight fit but not unbearably so, in fact as he observed himself in the mirror a wave of confidence overtook him as he posed before returning to his friends who whistled appreciatively.

"There's that handsome man I remember." Phil playfully flirts, Fit trying to hold back the rosy warm feeling of his cheeks as he looks down to fiddle with the gold buttons on the front.

"Both of you are taken." Sneeg quips, the trio of old friends exchanging wry looks before they trade chuckles.

"Is he ready?" Ros bursts into the room through the door that connects Sneeg's quarters to the rest of the castle, a huge variety of flowers in her hands which Phil goes over to the architect and offers to bring half over to the workbench near Sneeg's door leading out to the front platform of the castle. She is already in a beautiful purple gown with her lavender hair woven with flowers, a golden ribbon tied around the end in an artful bow and sharp black eyeliner that accented her large eyes.

She follows Phil before rifling through the pile to locate an already-made corsage formed of deep red roses, pure white lilies, vibrant purple tulips and bright yellow daffodils. Fit has to hold back salty tears as Phil joins them with a silver firefly pin held in his hand, helping secure the whole beautiful collection to his lapel, the crow hybrid winking before he steps back.

Seeing the jewelry reminding Fit of an idea he had a while ago, reaching into his inventory to retrieve a pair of bronze goggles he held onto since the prior world. They were given to him by his dear son after he outgrew this old pair as the veteran was a sentimental bastard. Phil's breath catches as he sees the item, watching Fit hand it over to Sneeg's waiting palm.

"Can you take the small buckles and gears from these and weld them to some rings for me? I can give you a decent estimate on sizing, well ones for me so that makes things easy and I am sure we can find a close enough model for the other. The strap is broken anyways, but if you can repair that portion with new parts I'd like the goggles back too. I'll take some odd jobs to raise the cost for this project."

"You won't pay me a single piece Fit, it would be my honour." Sneeg takes the goggles and handles them with care, inspecting the torn strap before placing them on a nearby workbench. "I doubt it would take me much time, how long do we have until the Ball, Ros?"

"Two hours? I think?" Her musical voice is rushed as she looks at the clock on the wall, gasping before she leaves into the castle through the large oak doors separating Sneeg's quarters from the rest.

"Guess I am making the bouquets." Phil snickers, whistling as he picks up some blooms and gets to work preparing a bouquet as Sneeg leads Fit over to where he has some string. He does some measurements of Fit's ring finger then he borrows Phil's for the other, the closest match to Fit's love that they had in close proximity before he pulls on his heavy apron and gets to work.

Which leaves Fit and Foolish alone, the King waving for the veteran turned monk to follow after he clarifies the others don't need his help for anything at the moment. Leading him off to the throne room, Foolish sits upon his grand chair that had been recently replaced for the fourth time this moon, Fit standing before him upon the stairs covered in rose-coloured carpet.

"What are you plans after you reunite with Pac? He vowed himself to Green after all." The King of the Fools raises a good point, tapping some of his several rings off the grand arm of his throne.

"I…haven't thought that far ahead admittedly."

Foolish narrows his emerald eyes as he considers that answer, leaning forward on his seat now to close the distance between monk and King. "Well, I don't want Bad to bend your ear about potentially joining him instead, I prefer to extend my own offer first. It doesn't bother me at all if you date someone outside our faction, whatever makes you happy, but if you do wish to continue being a monk I am proposing we work together to design a cathedral for the Goddess we both serve within the castle grounds which in turn gives you a better place to live beyond your tent."

Fit was reminded in that moment that Foolish also shared the curse of immortality, though the totem was younger than Phil he held wisdom of someone much older than he looked bearing the same connection to the deity he spoke of. Turning the idea over in his mind the monk eventually nods, his expression of joy is matched by the thoughtful King before him. "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, though I might borrow your Royal Architect from time to time as I am pretty fucking useless at building and designing."

"I already have ideas!" Foolish lets out a shout of surprise as Ros appears on the upper balcony, clearly having been close enough to overhear the last part of the conversation. "There is an empty plot of land beside where I intend to put Sneeg's house, it would be a perfect size for what you need and close enough that it's easy to share resources."

"Ros, always one step ahead. I am sure it will be gorgeous as is everything you create and construct." Foolish compliments the beautiful woman with silky lavender hair, hiding her cheeks as she waves it off frantically exiting the room once more.

"I should check on the food, bye!"

Foolish's face is full of fondness matching Fit's own as they turn to each other once more as Fit gives a respectful bow to the King. "I accept."

"I appreciate the gesture but don't bow to me, I still have much to learn from you." He rises, pushing Fit back into a standing position gently before they exchange goodbyes, planning to meet back up closer to the Ball after the veteran locates his date.

There's a house on the hill

With a view of the town

And I know how you adore it

So I'll work every day

Through the sun and the rain

Until I can afford it

Playing with the bronze rings within his pocket Fit waits on the front porch holding a woven flower crown in his other hand that Ros helped him make. It matched Fit's corsage perfectly with the same choice of flowers and was entwined with a shimmering silver chain with small metal stars hanging from it, holding the beautiful piece together. As its nearing sunhigh two figures approached from the bridge, with one in particular making Fit's heart race within his ribcage. His insides were fluttering with nerves which felt like a kaleidoscope of butterflies perched upon his bones, finally laying eyes on the person who made him reconsider everything he ever was and change for the better.

Pac made his breath freeze in his lungs as his beauty still enraptured Fit entirely, just as stunning as the day he'd lost him to the land of endless slumber. His raven hair shone in the sunlight brushing against the collar of his ice-blue suit, Fit deciding right then and there this was his favourite style on his boyfriend thus far, longer than he used to keep it but a very welcome change. The soft waves framed his features perfectly, which warmed brightly the moment their eyes met once more. He takes off at a run closing the distance between them quickly, arriving before Fit with haste as they got lost in being with each other once more for the first time in so achingly long.

"Fitchie, I missed you so much." Pac practically whispers only for his benefit, allowing Fit to carefully place the flower crown around his temples with reverence before he lets his hand fall to Pac's jaw, cradling it ever so gently.

"You've come home, my love." Fit speaks the first thing that comes to his mind, sweeping his other arm around Pac's lower back and hugs him impossibly close realizing just how much he missed how perfect it felt to be held like this.

"I'm so sorry it was for months, I'll explain everything later."

"You are here now, it's everything I need in this exact moment." Meeting his hazel gaze to Pac's night sky eyes glittering with flecks of silver like stars, Fit presses their foreheads together needing to reassure himself this isn't yet another dream.

Humming gently he smiles hearing Pac inhale with shock recognizing the song Fit strummed to him many moons ago while playing his guitar, a talent he only performed for those he trusted most. The smaller man squeezes him close before removing himself the smallest amount from the embrace, which Fit boldly presses a kiss to his forehead while releasing the hold.

"Welcome to the Yellow Faction also known as the Kingdom of Fools." Fit sweeps his arm open, tipping his head to Bad who has finally caught up.

"Our enemy." The demon confirms, Fit rolling his eyes at that snarky comment knowing a truce has been sworn for the gathering tonight so even if Bad threw out threats it was dangerous to retaliate right now.

"I believe your date is waiting for you." Fit can't help his reply delivered with a sassy smirk, not even sure he will ever have the time even in his endless lifetime to unravel how twisted the demon and King's relationship was as Bad's glowing pale moon-shaded eyes flash with terrifying intent.

"Well then, I can't keep the King waiting." He adjusts his masquerade mask as he ascends the stairs, his sweeping crimson and pitch cloak following behind with a certain grandeur as if every fibre of the fabric was haunted with death.

"He convinced Foolish to be his date?" Pac's confusion was a feeling Fit shared, shrugging his broad shoulders as he makes his way to Pac's side and tucks his arm through his own elbow.

"From my understanding the price was one of his three chances before his skills are reset, if you need a reminder of the rules within this world I am happy to teach you."

"My biggest protector."

"Among many other things." Pac leans his head into Fit's shoulder after they finish climbing the stone stairs, the veteran leading Pac through the archway that protected their castle. The taller man is over the moon with how this feels, treasuring how he is the luckiest soul here with who held his arm. He'd been missing Pac's presence in so many ways, and having him directly beside him was healing parts of his heart he had long since neglected without the light who held him close.

"Now, there is a sight for sore eyes."

Pac turns to the crow who just joined them with a wide grin, separating from Fit briefly to tug the blonde into an embrace before returning to the monk's arms. Fit can't help admiring how wonderful everyone looked dressed in formal attire, all in attendance having taken this opportunity to appear wearing their best which included the blonde man stood before them, his deep green robes were embroidered with forestry scenes around the edges which contrasted the golden thread that swirled around binding the favric together. Golden chains fastened around his throat holding the thin black cape that trailed down his back between his massive wings covered in iridescent crow feathers. An emerald hung from one of his ears, shimmering in the daylight which swept through from the archway they entered through.

"I am happy to see you, mate." Phil's accented tone is warm with affection, reaching forward with his wing to gently push at Pac's laughing form. "Stop worrying us like that, especially Fit."

Fit feels face flush with warmth as Pac turns to him with a raised eyebrow, sheepishly rubbing at the back of his neck with an embarrassed mumbling of words.

"Speaking of, has he shown you where he is living yet?" Phil's wicked streak appears as Fit's mood shifts from ashamed to frustrated, glaring down the crow who is chuckling to himself.

"I know where you sleep, you old bastard."

"You wouldn't, you'd be too bored if I wasn't here." Phil gloats, Fit glowering as he allows Phil the win…this time.

"So where are you living, Fit?" Pac addresses his love, the teasing tilt to his enticing lips reassured Fit this was all in good fun.

"I have…a place? I live within the castle walls." Fit isn't quite sure how to admit he had been residing in a tent for moons now, yet again patting himself on the back for the deal he made with the King today for that was soon to change. "Things are in motion for my living situation to improve though, here I have been training as a monk and Foolish offered me space to construct a cathedral which would also serve as a healing wing."

He can tell Pac has more questions but at that exact moment they are interrupted by the King himself, the shark's accessories ringing together pleasantly as he approached. His royal blue robes were strung together with glimmering golden chains that were occasionally interrupted by small engraved charms or precious gems. His waist length hair was bound back in a tight braid that reached down the entire length of his spine to brush against where a shark tail extended from were most humans had a tailbone.

"Well hello Pac!" Foolish's cheerful voice infects them all with a brand new round of joy, his serrated teeth on full display as he grins. "I must thank Ros again for planning this event, the amount of people who have come today is astonishing, including individuals like yourself who I haven't spoken with in far too long."

"Ah, I had some things to attend to but hopefully it should be wrapping up soon, after all I have plenty of lost time to make up for." The cheeky wink sent Fit's way made the man's mind dip into flirty territory, their electric attraction crackling between them as Phil lets out an audible groan.

"I'd say get a room but Fit doesn't have one." Foolish jokes, Fit's turn to groan loudly.

"C'mon man, not you too…"

"The love of your life has returned to you, which I am very happy for, but he only deserves the best and how exactly are you going to entertain him in your tent?" Foolish points out, Pac's mouth dropping open before he whirls to Fit.

"You don't have a house?"

"Well—"

"Fitchie." Pac grumbles, Fit reaching forward to clasp Pac's hand as he pleads him to understand.

"Its something we can talk about later but I promise I didn't intend for it to be forever." Something unspoken passes between them before Foolish and Phil leave to greet yet another guest, Aimsey joining them instead for some small talk and catching up with what everyone had been up to.

Yeah, your friends may think I'm crazy

Cause they can only see

I'm not perfect

But I swear I'm perfect for you

After everyone who is invited makes their appearance they are lead below the castle to the breath-taking ballroom Ros and a few others had spent many days creating, checking in their coats and weapons before they adjourn to the lowest level. Several tables and chairs were scattered about with amazing smelling food laid out on top, two bottles of wine awaiting them at each grouping.

Meeting Foolish's gaze, Fit takes Pac's hand and sits down with the Fool's King alongside the Royal Blacksmith and Lumberjack, Fit finding it slightly amusing it was a table of mostly immortals around him besides Pac. After making sure his date is comfortable Fit takes his own place, subtly taking note of exits and escapes because of paranoid habits that would never leave him after the wastelands he became a warrior upon.

Returning his attention to those within his company he notices Phil, Sneeg and Foolish have already lapsed into a conversation about the next plans on their itinerary leaving the boyfriends on their own.

"A tent?" Fit cringes hearing Pac's tone, meeting his hazel eyes to Pac's pitch-dark as his handsome face was filled with a thousand questions.

Fit chews on his lips debating how exactly to answer the inquiry, not wanting to add any more guilt to the emotions his boyfriend must hold after so long away from one another. "It was only ever supposed to be temporary…"

"Until?" Pac prompts, per usual not allowing anything to be hidden from him, there were never any secrets in their relationship and they certainly weren't going to start now, inspiring Fit to be honest even if it hurt in this exact moment.

"Until you woke up and we decided what to do next." Fit finishes his sentence quietly, reaching forward to hold Pac's hands in his own. "Don't blame yourself, I chose to put my life on hold for you and I don't regret it for a single moment, I am overjoyed we are together once more but you are about to see tendencies of mine I am not exactly proud of if you do end up stopping by my camp later. It's been rough and draining without you, my heart, that's the least of what I want to say to you but we have all night to promise our love to each other after I show off to this world how I am the luckiest soul ever because you love me and I am a better man because of it."

A loud whistle interrupts their conversation, Pac's handsome face twisted in a troubled expression while their attention is drawn to where Foolish and Roscumber stand on a stage elevated beyond the ballroom floor, a Keeper hovering behind them wearing their classic night-black robes and adorned in off-putting aura. Fit was surprised how he never noticed Foolish leaving the table too wrapped up in speaking with Pac, but it made sense as one of the event organizers that he would address everyone present.

"Good evening to you all!" Its magical watching Foolish as he stands before everyone, clearly in his element with shrewd emerald eyes glittering under the bright chandeliers above while everyone in the room turned their focus to him. "It is the Yellow Faction's greatest honour to welcome you back to the second Ball we have arranged for you today under the banners of peace and reuniting the factions to the point things are civil once more. Which brings me to my next point.

Stepping forth he taps his gleaming trident against the wooden floor, turning his intense stare to each and every person within the room. "There will be no violence as long as you stand within these walls, I refuse to let all the work we have done go to waste and you will appreciate Ros's skills or else."

Fit can only smirk, similar expressions on Sneeg and Phil's faces as the rest of the room looks more concerned about the King's comments as Pac matches everyone else with his own expression full of worry until he spots Fit's. Wrapping an arm around his love's well-formed shoulders he tugs him close, intending to spend each and every second of this evening together memorizing how it felt to be in his presence again.

"I see you staring at me Bad, you especially." Foolish whirls to face his long-time enemy who is scowling at the shark where he stands, the demon having let his hood fall allowing his mane of silky night-black hair to fall around him moving in breezes long forgotten. "We have already completed our deal, you will stay your hand tonight or I will remove you from the property."

"I'd like to see you try." The demon taunts to which the totem sneers, gearing up for a round of their famous bantering until Sneeg loudly clears his throat followed by Phil glaring them down. If anyone else had interrupted their little flirting argument Fit was positive it would be ignored but because of other circumstances, they paused their argument for now.

"We are going to proceed with enjoying our meals then we have set aside some time for dancing, then we have a few more voluntary activities you can join or you can get ridiculously drunk at the bar and keep dancing. I leave that up to you." He takes a step back to stand at his Royal Architect's side, gesturing her forward with his trident and an encouraging smile. "Please give our lovely Ros the same respect as she explains the activities we have planned for after dinner and dancing."

Fit half listens as Ros talks about some kind of maze before something else, mesmerized by how beautiful Pac looked as he glanced around the room and all the decorations that were hung everywhere. Finery was apparent in every banner and ribbon that wrapped its way around small gathers of blooms placed at the center of each table, clearly no expense spared for the event ahead. This veteran was intimately aware of how lucky he was that Pac chose to love him as he was by far the prettiest thing in this place, despite all the walls he had to knock down along the way, their foundations already softened by the children that helped shaped his rebirth into a life of love and family.

He was entirely too pretty to be this grizzled old veteran's date yet there had been no hesitation in his acceptance, fortune finally smiling upon them as Pac's magical sleep spell was released. The sense of how complete he felt took Fit's words away, mindlessly running his thumb across Pac's scarred knuckles while he listened to every word Ros said with all the excitement in the world.

"Oh Fit, we have to participate, that sounds like so much fun!" Fit revelled in the pure starshine of his north star as Pac turned to face him once Ros finished her speech, everyone preparing to dig into the delicious spread of food before them as they removed the silver cloches that protected the portions beneath.

"Anything you want Pac, the night is yours to choose what we do." Fit replies, enjoying the gentle rosy nature of Pac's elegant cheeks as Foolish rejoins them at the table, sitting down with a sigh.

"God I hate public speaking." He groans, reaching for one of the bread rolls nearby as the rest of them fill their plates with decadent food that had Fit's mouth watering from the moment they had arrived, only now realizing he hadn't yet eaten today, something else forgotten in the excitement of preparing for the Ball and to entertain the date he wanted at his side for the rest of their lives.

"You are the King, you had to know that was one of the requirements." Sneeg comments dryly, Phil's accompanying snickers echoed by the other two.

"I simply declared myself one, the others were the ones who swore their loyalty to me." Despite the indifferent attitude, it was plain as day seeing the affection he held for each of the members of his Kingdom.

"Just admit you have a love for being royalty, its fine to do so." Phil teases the younger immortal, Pac joining in afterwards.

"You were a King on Quesadilla Island too!" The handsome man points out, reaching for his own bread roll and a small portion of butter to spread across the fluffy pastry.

"Awfully rich coming from you considering one of the worlds we lived in you also declared yourself a King." Sneeg joins in on the banter, Phil tossing him a glare. "Come to think of it, you and Foolish have a lot in common."

"I never thought of it before…but its true." Pac glances between the crow and shark whose defiance cools to a fond laugh shared between them.

"There's a reason they get along so well." Fit adds to the conversation, pointing between them. "I have known both of you across multiple worlds and its been proven over and over again you two are cut from the same cloth."

"We aren't denying it." Foolish holds up his hands with a grin, Phil shaking his head barely hiding his own smirk.

They finish dividing up portions of the food each wanted to consume, digging in with appreciative noises as they enjoy their supper together. The topics come easily between catching Pac up on all the dynamics and faction conflicts alongside the plans for the rest of the evening their meal sped past. Fit constantly found himself too enraptured with Pac's presence leading to the others having to call his name two or three times, good-natured teasing followed by just how enamoured the veteran was with his date.

And there's no guarantee

That this will be easy

It's not a miracle you need

Believe me

Yeah, I'm no angel, I'm just me

But I will love you endlessly

Wings aren't what you need

You need me

After they have finished their dinner and enjoyed a glass of wine each, Fit sets down his empty goblet and holds out his hand to Pac just as the music starts.

"May I have this dance?" Fit ignores the whistling of their friends as Pac shyly accepts the offer, Fit standing first before helping Pac upright.

"They are so cute I want to die." Sneeg complains to Foolish and Phil, the crow chirping back immediately.

"I know someone who can help with that."

"Damnit Phil, that's not what I meant." Sneeg replies, Phil's addictive laughter ringing loudly as Fit walks away from them with Pac held close to his side.

They reach the middle of the floor where a few more couples are already tangled together, sweeping across the floor in graceful moves Fit hoped he could imitate as he had barely any experience with these types of formal events. The wastelands he hailed from certainly didn't have these and he was far too withdrawn until too late upon their last world to have participated in those gatherings and tonight he intended to make up for everything he missed with Pac at his side as long as he was willing.

As if sensing his nerves, Pac slides an arm around his lower back and pulls Fit in close to him, meeting their gazes together. "It's just us here handsome, lets enjoy it."

"How do you always see me so clearly?"

"Because I seek you out no matter where or when we are, my eyes have always been on you."

"You are buttering me up like that dinner roll you ate earlier." Fit lets Pac take the lead instead, gasping as they move with a fluidity he didn't know either of them possessed while the musical notes around them guided their every step.

"I'd eat you too given the chance." Pac winks, Fit stumbling over his words as his date giggled, proud of himself. "Mind you I've already been through a cannibalism phase, perhaps we save that for later."

"You are insane." Fit recovers enough to comment with all the love in the world contained in his voice, Pac nodding along without a single bit of delay.

"Probably. But would you have me any other way?"

"You got me there." Fit briefly squeezes Pac's hand that was outstretched to his left, lost in the feeling of it being only them two on the dance floor.

"My, my, so this is the Brazilian Boyfriend I have been hearing about?" Fit can barely hold back how he nearly jumps out of his skin at Sausage's approach, having to fight back the instinct of shoving Pac behind him in case they were in danger, he reminds himself they are safe as he maneuvers Pac to be at his side.

"Mythical Sausage meet Pac, Pac this is Sausage, another subject of the Yellow Faction who built most of the brilliant town that surrounds the outside of the castle walls." Fit introduces them, Sausage reaching forth to shake Pac's hand before his famous flirty attitude comes out to play.

"May I kiss his hand? Such a beautiful man should be greeted properly." Fit clamps down the jealously that fills his gut while Pac looks oddly confused until his own mischievous side retaliates.

"So this is the Sausage Bad was telling me about…" Pac comments, looking at Fit with a carefully narrowed expression while Fit wonders just what the hell the demon had told his love.

"Go ahead." Fit grinds out between his teeth, already plotting Bad's demise in his thoughts while Sausage presses a long kiss to the back of Pac's hand before winking at the brunette before him.

"Surely you also extend the same courtesy to my handsome love." Pac tilts his head towards Fit, who blushes while both of these stunningly handsome men turn their attentions to the monk.

"Love? My goodness you two have been busy." Sausage teases also kissing Fit's hand before he straightens back up to face the couple. "Its lovely to finally meet the man who has captured Fit's heart and loyalty, a true boon given by the fates."

"I am not sure which of us saved the other, but I do know I will always be grateful." Fit admits, wrapping his arm around Pac's lower back to hold him against his side.

"I've lost track but ah well, I intend to spend the rest of my life with him anyways." Announcing it so plainly leaves Fit feeling humbled that Pac chose him as his life partner, not leaving room for a single question against his choices.

Sausage looked briefly pained before he wiped it away with practised grace, offering a simple bow to the couple. "I know when it is time to take my leave, I wish you all the best and I shall see you two again soon. Enjoy the Ball!"

After he leaves Pac leans into Fit's embrace, lowering his voice. "To be honest, Bad told me you two had something going on."

"Sure there was some flirting, I will absolutely admit that, but my forever has only ever belonged to one man and that's the one I have been reunited with and intend to spend the rest of our heartbeats protecting."

"I believe you, I am sorry I doubted it."

"Bad has a way of getting into your head, don't worry about it." Fit leans over to press a kiss to Pac's forehead, humming low under his breath along to the symphony as it slows, morphing into a slow dance that they both swayed too while reminding each other with their presence that this was real.

"I missed you so damn much, Pac." Fit's deep tones caress only Pac's ears when he speaks next, a secret reserved for only them two spilling from his scarred lips with a certainty that was as unmovable as bedrock.

"It was so agonizing to be away from you, but somewhere needed me for a while. There are plenty of stories for me to tell you when it's just us two, somethings are too vulnerable for those I don't trust." Pac glances around, Fit understanding him perfectly.

"Don't worry, you are here with my arms currently. We can get to that later but for now, I intend to dance with you until we are both sore then we can explore what else has been planned for tonight."

Fit glances down at the man held within his arms and falls in love for the thousandth time seeing Pac's receptive expression, reaching forth with one of his hands to cradle Pac's jaw with the most gentle touch, claiming his eternity again and again with each beat of his ancient heart. Admiring how his suit clung to his smaller yet just as strong frame, being reminded at one point to demand Pac to let him perform maintenance on the artificial leg below his knee that the veteran constructed for him after learning how the handsome brunette shared his affliction of missing a limb when they were still in their previous world. Pac only ever deserved the best and kindest treatment, something Fit would be ecstatic proving to him an endless amount of times until they both drew their final breath.

Its the easiest thing in the world to simply exist in the same room as Pac, yet the hardest trial he has ever faced when they were separated for a while after they both awoke here on the Realm.

Fit adjusts Pac's flower crown after its nearly knocked off his head with a fond upturn of his lips, utterly entranced by the joy that clung to Pac's frame with every step and touch.

You need me

(I know you need me)

You need me

(I know you need me)

You need me

(I know you need me)

You need me

(I know you need me)

Soon enough the announcement rings out the next part of the Ball is ready, people dividing up into small groups of two or three to face the maze Ros and Foolish had spent days constructing. Its the easiest choice in the world yet again keeping Pac close to him, silently laying his claim as everyone else finds the ones they wish to team up with, Sneeg choosing Phil and Foolish stepping down from the friendly competition as he created some of the rooms they would be entering.

"The rules are simple. Between each puzzle room there will be a maze for you to complete, once you enter the puzzle room you are trapped until you locate how to open the iron door which will be blocking your progress. You cannot break through the walls nor will you be allowed any type of teleportation, this is a friendly competition to see who can complete it the fastest. I wish you the best of luck!" Foolish stands before the entrance to the maze as he makes his announcement, stepping to the side as Fit reaches over to clasp Pac's hand in his own.

"Are you ready?" The infection mirth was stared between the couple who intended to do their best, although they were plenty distracted just being near one another.

"To be with you? Always."

The bell announcing the event was underway drowned out Fit's attempt at a response, Pac dragging them forward into the dim maze they had to navigate together. The overall din of noise slowly softens as groups separate, each looking for where they had to go next they disappear down different paths eventually leaving the two alone, Fit taking his first deep breath in far too long in relief for these few stolen moments between them.

"Let's go this way." Pac leads them forward as Fit follows without protest, usually this lack of vision would bring his panic to unmanageable degrees but having his love's grounding presence was more than enough to remind him that this was all in good fun.

Fit's simple acceptance is all that's needed as Pac follows the right wall to the next opening, continuing forward under the slowly dimming light that left them holding onto one another tight. Suddenly Pac stops leading to Fit walking right into him, accidentally pinning him against one of the walls nearby. Heat exploded between them as Fit practically swallows his tongue, his shaking hand reaching up to trace the curve of Pac's grin.

"My, my, if you wanted your way with me you only had to ask." Pac's enchanting voice only grows Fit's attraction, surprising them both as he captures those lips that haunted his dreams in his own, leaning fully into the smaller man at his mercy while pulling him impossibly close.

Pac tastes of the wildest freedoms and the warmest fires, fierce with both his loyalty and protection Fit falls into an endless well of love the moment Pac kisses him back. Heartbeats thudding together as their hands wander, grasping at firm muscle and doing everything they could to memorize how perfectly they slotted together like it was always meant to be. Two damaged people found a new life together, healing wounds others left while forging an eternity with the other's helping hand, all done without question or any expected favours to be returned. There was no questioning of where the other was, the universe seemed to enjoy placing them on the same worlds since they found one another and Fit wasn't exactly going to argue with that sentiment, memories like the one being made right here how he kept his heart warm on the coldest of nights when they were forced apart by circumstances out of their control. If Fit had his way, he'd never be separated from Pac ever again…something to ponder anyways.

Eventually when their lungs ache they separate the smallest amount, gasping breaths between their lips barely apart as they smile in the secrets of the shadows.

Holding each other for a mere few heartbeats more they remember they have a maze to complete, Fit taking control this time but never releasing his boyfriend's hand. They navigate a few more halls together before they finally arrive at an iron door with a button to the left side of it, pressing it and entering the puzzle room together.

"I'm having flashbacks." Fit announced, peering around the room as Pac agrees.

"Find the button?"

"Thank god Foolish designed it, if I had to face another of Bad's iterations I would have chosen the getting drunk at the bar option." Fit jokes, Pac giggling along as they reluctantly split up to cover more ground.

After at least five minutes of searching they reunite to brainstorm, neither having found what they needed to escape, at least within here things were brighter than the endless halls of the maze.

"I take it back, Foolish learned too well from Bad, I found the door but not the button." Pointing over his shoulder to the closed iron panel Pac's face twisted thoughtfully as his clever gaze yet again inspects the room. Fit takes a moment to sit down as Pac retreats to the far wall to where a sign hung, peering behind it before he cheers.

Reaching behind it the door across from them opens, Fit standing up once more to sweep Pac off his feet and rushes to the opening with ease, wrapping himself in the half-hearted silly protests of his love before Pac simply accepts this is how they would be travelling going forward. Harder to lose him, Fit thought to himself, barely recognizing the bold actions he was taking before wondering if this was because this is what they missed out upon in their previous world.

"My strong, handsome Fit." Pac praises, reaching up to trace his fingers down Fit's jaw and across his stubble before his gentle touch traces the scar that cuts down through his eye all the way to his neck, a claw mark left from his previous boss that left him half-blind. As if he can sense Fit becoming self conscious he adjusts and lays the softest kiss against where the wound cut through his cheek, the monk stumbling into the wall in pleasant surprise as Pac looks at him like he was the life-giving sun instead of the blood-stained monster he once was.

"How? What did I do to deserve you?" Fit whispers, pressing their foreheads together and stopping their journey for yet another stolen memory in the shadows of the maze.

"You existed and persevered, that is far more than enough." It didn't matter what Fit said to him, Pac always had a reply that took his breath away and yet again reminded him how much he had been missing out on when he hadn't learned how to love so completely yet. "I don't care how many you have killed, or the cities you have burned, they shaped you and you had your reasons and that's enough for me. The man I gave my heart to under the blessings of our families is a loyal and kind man who has only ever shown me kindness. We have both been through hell and became stronger because of it, I wouldn't have found my home without you because you are my home."

"Each sunrise was agony when I returned to your side only to find you still dream-walking, Phil and Sneeg spent hours talking me off cliffs and out of spirals, they kept me sane because when I lost you I nearly gave into the madness that sometimes consumes us immortals. We might be blessed from aging but the human mind which that is built upon is only ever meant to archive so much, sometimes you can lose yourself among the other stories and its impossible to draw who you once were back."

Pac heavily swallows hearing the depths Fit experienced, having changed for love only to have it ripped away so quickly he saw this new world as a blessing for them both to spend together until Pac spent moons asleep. "I know you, I know exactly who you are and I can't imagine it was any easier for you and you would only leave if the situation was serious. But please, next time let me come with you."

The next sentence is one Fit would never say to another soul, only his anchor and life partner would ever see this gentle side that evolved under Pac's persistent and loving care. "I never want to spend another night alone, I will if I have to but I also really want to be selfish and demand some of your time as my own."

"Fit, I am so sorry we were apart for so long." Pac comforts, looping his arms around Fit's neck and reminding himself how safe he felt being held by the muscular warrior. "I swear I will explain everything when it is just you and I but I promise I will wake up here more often. The other world I was helping is nearing its completion, you haven't left my thoughts for even a single second. I regret every minute we were apart, my love."

"I will never be able to explain truly how much you becoming part of my life has changed me Pac, but I am not nearly done loving you yet so I am counting on you being here so we can make more memories together. At least, more often…if I can be selfish and ask for that?"

"Be as selfish as you want Fit, my heart has always been yours."

They hold each other close for a few more heartbeats until they remember they are part of timed event, per usual losing track of time in one another's presence they rush along to the next puzzle room. They finish the next few segments with a decent pace, eventually catching up to a couple more people who work together to unlock the next passage out of desperation as the event was all in good fun some rule-bending was allowed in terms of cooperation between the couple and those they united with temporarily.

After two more segments they tumble out of the exit laughing, besides Pac they had also reunited with Sneeg and Phil who finished at the same time as them. They are directed back to the ballroom floor to relax until everyone who participated in the maze portion escapes, Fit collapsing onto his chair after which Pac climbed into his lap to rest his temple against Fit's collarbone. Most of the words they needed to speak had been said aloud, the rest waiting until it was a more private setting so they merely enjoyed being near one another as they waited to hear the results of the maze competition.

Yeah, the ink may stain my skin

And my jeans may all be ripped

I'm not perfect

But I swear I'm perfect for you

The winner of the maze race was announced and celebrated, Fit honestly too distracted to remember as they were then swept along into the next event which was a few rounds of musical chairs. Plenty of jokes were tossed around as they raced each other around the circle, slowly being whittled down as people are eliminated.

It's easy to forget they are from separate factions as they played this game, chasing one another with loud laughter between the different records that were chosen. A few people get shoved but its all in good fun, recovering quickly they race around aiming to sit in one of the open chairs the moment the music stops.

Fit is the first one out between himself and his date, cheering Pac on from the sidelines where Phil was relaxing while watching the chaos unfold, sipping away at a large glass of wine without a care in the world. Fit collapses beside him with a pained grunt, Phil barely able to hold back his chuckle after he takes another drink.

"Someone's getting old."

"That's rich coming from the crow who claimed the same excuse as to why he didn't participate in musical chairs."

"True, you got me there." Fit steals his glass with a wicked smirk, tossing back his own sip of the wine and making a face afterwards, remembering why exactly he preferred his drinks on the harsher side of the spectrum. "How's the night been mate?"

"Its been everything I could have asked for and more." Fit can hear how love-struck he sounds within his sonorous tones, Phil smirking with a certain sense of knowing that brought a silly sneer to the monk's face. "Yeah, yeah, you don't even have to say it. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"Once you find your people you never forget them, some are only in your life for brief periods where others you would fight an entire platoon of gods for the chance to love them yet again. He's that person to you, isn't he?"

"Absolutely. I was doomed from the moment we became friends, and its an eternity I'd accept happily. He appeared and slotted himself into my life so perfectly its jarring to consider there were hundreds of years where I was without his light, a husk of a person clutching for anything to make me feel alive again. He took those concerns and broken edges with mercy and grace, he became everything I needed in that moment and all that I could want forever."

"I can see it in each time you interact just how much you care for him, and I will thank him forever he taught you how to love. Its the best gift he could have ever given you speaking as one of your closest friends across many eras."

Fit stares down where Pac is making some type of sarcastic comment that left Tubbo's expression full of joy with his heart practically drowning in love, wondering just what the hell they would do from here. He knew they were both welcome in the Kingdom and Bad would at least protect Pac if he chose to remain with the Green Faction, but he hated having any sort of divide between the freshly reunited couple. He ponder solutions while watching the festivities before him, his chest practically bursting with how much he cared for specific souls here.

They finish the round of musical chairs with Pac celebrating his victory, Fit dipping him into a kiss that left them breathless as their friends whistled and teased the blushing couple for their public display of love.

Soon Foolish, Ros and Pili are giving their closing speeches for the night as the Ball event wraps up, yet again Fit barely paying attention with his gaze entirely on the man at his side tucked beneath his arm. He yawns adorably as everyone claps, shouting their thanks before the mood changes and a scream suddenly rings out.

Fit snaps out of his love-struck mood in an instant, turning towards the source of the commotion while locating the knife from within his prosthetic arm he always had as a backup, Pac also producing a similar dagger from somewhere as on instinct they move to be back to back to cover all angles.

Of course they couldn't have a single night of peace, Fit thinks ruefully, trying to swallow back his horror seeing an arrow blooming from Pili's chest where he had collapsed to his knees. Ros had drawn her gleaming netherite spear and stood in front of the cat hybrid pleading with him to hang on as he swayed, Foolish's emerald eyes flashing as he shouts out orders to Sneegsnag who is already prepared for battle with a trident in one hand and a sword in the other.

Phil has taken off towards the ceiling, aiming for the high ground as he draws out his bow, Fit searching for any method of escape for himself and Pac as the ballroom erupts into chaos. Its so overwhelming loud as the evening morphs from one about unity to yet another Yellow Faction member dying at their own Ball, Ros's wail of grief enough proof that Pili loses his last chance in a terrible display of anger. Grabbing Pac's upper arm, he guides him away from the center of destruction towards the outskirts of the room with a hurried pace, dodging anyone swinging their weapons at each other in favour of escaping.

The tiniest portion of his heart screamed for him to help his other friends but he doubted they would fault him for protecting Pac first, knowing the others he was thinking about had battlefield experience in their past and could definitely hold their own. Just as he turns to check on Sneeg where he had engaged in battle with Pangi Pac's pained scream immediately distracts him, eyes wide in terror seeing the arrow now pierced through his flesh just below his right collarbone.

And there's no guarantee

That this will be easy

It's not a miracle you need

Believe me (won't you believe me?)

I'm no angel, I'm just me

But I will love you endlessly

Wings aren't what you need

You need me

You know you need me

Fit barely has the time to catch him as his legs give out, sweeping him into his arms as Pac's weapon falls to the floor from his lax hand, his other pressed around the wound with pain twisting his handsome features.

"Goddess above, protect us." Fit prays aloud, trying to fight back his panic as Pac coughs and crimson liquid bubbles around his mouth, recognizing the arrow has pierced his lung Fit realizes he has even less time than he thought to get them out of mortal peril.

A second round of screaming starts as Fit glances towards Phil, hoping with everything he has that the crow is keeping an eye on them he notices the blonde is already approaching them by flying from surface to surface high above them all with his bow at the ready. Giving a simple nod, a thousand things are agreed upon as the monk takes one last look at the scene before them knowing he at least has eyes in the sky willing to keep them safe before he turns to flee.

The guilt nearly swallows him whole trying to block out the vision of what happened behind their running forms, Sneeg leaning over a fallen Roscumber with his trident dripping red from the Royal Architect's blood, an attack gone terribly wrong as it was intended for Pangi but ended up falling one of the Yellow Faction's original members instead.

"Fit…" Pac coughs out, the monk shaking his head frantically as he mumbles back.

"Save your strength sweetheart, don't speak."

Thankfully he listens, Fit rushing from beneath the castle to the fresh cool air of the evening outside, making their way over to where his tent is he lays Pac down with all the gentleness he can while taking note of just how pale Pac was becoming. Any medicinal knowledge he knows he tries to drag to the surface as he locates his med kit, tucking a blanket beneath Pac's skull as his boyfriend's breathing slows while relaxing best he can on the pallet Fit located for him.

"Pac, you stay with me, you fucking hear me?" Fit speaks frantically, worried out of his goddamn mind as it had been years since he has treated a wound this severe and wishing to the Goddess above She would summon someone else can help.

His first priority is locating his healing potions and forcing Pac to drink one while he is still conscious, hoping it can offset the emergency field surgery he was about to perform removing the arrow from his chest. He sanitizes his hands and was just working on removing the suit around Pac's injury when he is suddenly joined by two other people, Foolish and Phil rushing forward to provide any help they could.

"Pac, hold onto my hand." Foolish orders after dropping to his knees beside them, Phil taking the scalpel from Fit's trembling hands with a gentle nudge to move him out of the way, silently taking charge but Fit was grateful for that decision as emotions clouded his thoughts completely. It was much safer for the calmer one to do what was needed, Fit turning his focus to his boyfriend and the spectacle of Foolish tapping into his potential which he did his best to keep secret.

Fit watches in awe as Foolish's golden skin cracks as he invokes his totem powers, feeding his regeneration abilities into Pac's very cells to speed up his healing factor, a skill he used very rarely as the cost to his well-being was great. Often the shark was weakened for at least a moon after performing a healing, to freely offer this gift was yet another thing Fit was grateful to the King for.

"Pac, this is going to hurt like hell, but I need you to bear it, okay?" Phil speaks to his patiently calmly, Fit reaching forward to lay his hand on Pac's shin where he knelt behind Phil. "I have to cut a clean path to extract the arrow out which means I will be cutting through your flesh, I am sorry in advance."

Waiting for Pac to give a quick nod and for Fit to give him something to bite down on in the form of a belt from his outfit, the monk meets his gaze to the dark brunette's as the crow makes his first incision. Wincing and letting out a small shriek, Fit feels every pained noise as if Phil was slicing into him instead, thanking the Goddess yet again when between the potion and Foolish's healing factor Pac eventually slips into unconsciousness for the rest of the procedure, Phil working quickly but with precision to attend to the dangerous wound.

"Alright Fit, I need you now." Showing him exactly how to hold the wooden shaft of the arrow wrapped in a wire he had looped around the arrowhead, Phil demonstrates how to yank it out which Fit does easily with his strength leaving Phil to quickly stitch together the wound after cauterizing a few of the worst bleeds using metal rods from a campfire Foolish had stoked to life at some point during the process.

A tense few heartbeats pass, Fit clenching Pac's pulse keeping track of the slightly sluggish rate his heart was pumping blood, after a small amount of time Pac's eyes open the slowest amount when he comes back too when Fit is lifting Pac to change the bloody sheets. Foolish helps Phil stand and begins the process of sanitizing the equipment they used after quickly spreading out fresh blankets, leaving Fit to lean across Pac's resting form and sobbing in relief once he places him back down.

Eventually Phil makes Pac drink another healing potion while he is still awake when Fit composes himself, the shark and crow going above and beyond being sure the couple is comfortable for the night before they leave to help clean up the mess from the Ball. They wave off any offers of favours from the monk and simply tell him to keep them both safe, in the morning they would hold a debriefing and plan what to do next which they invited the couple to if they felt up to it but there was no obligation.

Fit watches them leave, yet again feeling in debt to both of them, but he also was aware neither considered him to be so. They were happiest protecting those they cared about, another common similarity between the crow and shark, and with them teaming up to work through the problems they faced Fit had no doubt the Kingdom of Fools was in good hands for this next round of conflict they surely faced.

You need me

(I know you need me)

You need me

(I know you need me)

You need me

(I know you need me)

You need me

(I know you need me)

After tucking Pac into his sleeping bag Fit lays beside his slumbering partner and admires the sharp curves of his handsome features, trying to qualm the worries about how Pac had fallen back asleep shortly after he settled in reminding himself that his boyfriend's body had some intense healing to perform still. Even with two healing potions and Foolish's boost his injury was still quite red and angry, his flesh would take some time to stitch properly together and Fit intended to be there every step of the way.

First he nearly lost his boyfriend to moons of sleeping and now an arrow? Pac would be lucky if Fit didn't trap him in a glass box just to keep him safe, the monk chuckles to himself knowing how short that would last. He could never contain Pac's wild beauty and wanderlust, but he swore to be there directly at his side protecting him going forward, come hell or high water. Nothing would ever separate them again, Goddess willing.

Yet again he considers what he spoke about with Phil earlier, yes Pac was absolutely the person he'd face every layer of hell for. Besides his son, Pac was one of the only people he had ever loved so entirely, and he hated the fact even on a night of supposed peace on The Realm blood had been spilled including his precious boyfriend's. How long was it until a full-scale war erupted, he was positive in the morning that would be a topic that was discussed, yet did he even truly want to see that through?

Honestly, he was tempted to simply put this world behind him if Pac was amicable to the idea. He always had a good sense of when an end was approaching and the cataclysm that threatened these horizons matched that certainty, perhaps it was time they tracked down the dimension the Death Goddess had hidden their children away in and be with them for the foreseeable future.

It had been nice to be on this adventure but Fit felt the want to move on latch itself deep into his soul and kept tugging him to consider leaving, especially if Pac wanted to join him. All he wanted since he woke up here was to spend time with those he loved, share some laughs, make some memories, and then leave when the time was right. Even though he made potential plans to build a cathedral and spend longer here, he knew Foolish would understand perfectly if his plans suddenly shifted especially on behalf of protecting those most precious to Fit's heart.

A yawn interrupts his thoughts, Pac's eyes slowly blinking open with a wince as he attempts to take a deep breath, Fit reaching forward to run a soothing hand across Pac's chest reminding himself that his heart kept beating. "Take it easy, handsome."

"My saviour yet again." Pac's voice is rough but steady, clearly most of the internal damage having healed to the point he could speak once more.

"You never have to ask, its my pleasure to do so." Fit leans their foreheads together ever so softly, their breath mingling together as their eyes close, simply getting lost in this beautiful gesture that grounded them both and reminded them they were alive.

When Fit's arm starts shaking with the strain he reluctantly leans back, clearing his throat and wondering how to bring this subject up before deciding to just go for it; "Have you ever thought about running away?"

Pac's endless gaze sharpens as he considers the question, tilting his head in a silent gesture for Fit to explain it a bit further.

"I know you just woke up here but this world has been a mess of turmoil and faction wars since the get-go, I don't want to lose you again for any reason so I figured we could just leave together."

"That's…quite an ask." Pac comments hesitantly, Fit hoping his smile is encouraging and reassuring as he responds.

"It is, and I hate the fact I am springing it upon you, but I do know that I feel like a piece of me is missing every second we are separated from one another and I refuse to let that be the case any further. I've told you before my flesh is ageless, as a Goddess Blessed we gain an innate sense when a storyline is wrapping up and this world is covered with the signs lately."

Rolling closer metal digs into Fit's thigh, reminding him of the jewelry he had commissioned this morning and moves to pull them out, hiding them in his palm he thinks yet again of his son while staring at his future. "I've pictured this conversation a thousand times and yet none of them ever accounted for you being shot by an arrow at the Ball leading to me asking you to run away with me but here we are, I guess."

Pac can't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all before his breath catches when Fit opens his hand, two rings forged with silver bands and a few simple bronze gears pressed into the top instead of a precious gem. Holding the smaller one out to Pac, Fit swallows his nerves and meets his hazel gaze to the one who had become his everything.

"Lets try again on a new world with our families, spending a few years reconnecting with those who have been discovering who they are and healing from the various scars that we have gained during our travels. I know I originally claimed I was never the marriage type but you will forever be my exception, and it would be my honour if I could call you my life partner and my betrothed, these rings signifying the devotion we grew together and protect fiercely."

"Are those…from Ramon's goggles?" Pac's clever mind knew those small cogs perfectly, Fit smiling with a fond yet bittersweet expression.

"We both know this is exactly how he'd want this to happen." Fit comments, Pac laughing along as he picks up the ring meant for him.

"Right down to the spring wedding when we reunite as a family." Pac agrees, taking Fit's breath away as he sits up at the monk's side to capture his left hand and place the ring made for him on the correct finger. "Yes Fit, I will marry you, my only condition being once we have reconnected with our children once more."

"I wouldn't dream of anything else." Fit's deep voice trembles as tears flood his throat, lost in the pure joy of Pac accepting his question without a second thought.

Collapsing together in breathless kisses, teeth are knocked together in their excitement leading to embarrassed giggles before they get lost in celebrating this new step in their life. They only separate when their oxygen runs out, letting themselves fall back to the sleeping bag laying beneath them they snuggle as close as they possibly can after Fit worries over Pac's wound until he is positive his love is healing, crickets and the night's sounds filling the silence as they think about what was coming next.

"So just like that, we are leaving." Pac's sorrow-tinged voice brought Fit out of his affectionate daydreaming, holding Pac closer as the man considers what Fit had described.

"Not immediately, there are some things we can still wrap up and friends we must bid goodbye but I do think its better we exit sooner rather than later. Besides, some of these souls we find ourselves living beside will reappear, after all it was Phil and his wife who provided the safe space where our families have been existing."

"True. I just intended to do so much more here but instead I spent most of the time on the Realm asleep and out of your reach. I can't imagine waiting moons not knowing if I would awaken again, how do you know when we leave here we won't be separated again?"

"Nobody will ever take you from me again Pac, not without the worst fight they have ever seen and possibly over my dead body." Fit growls, Pac smiling fondly at how protective his love could become. "I wouldn't have spoken about leaving if I thought there was any other option, Phil and Sneeg have already begun preparations too. All three of us are far too paranoid for our own goods but its also probably how we have managed to survive so long."

"Tubbo too? And what about Foolish and Bad?" Pac's giant heart was present in that exact moment, though with the way Fit had also had concerns about where they would go the pairing was well-matched in their affection for those they held dear.

"The Goddess will grant them safe passage to where they choose to go next, or they might even ask Her to assign them a place when the countdown of this world is complete."

"Will I become ageless?"

"I don't know Pac, it's up to the Goddess but I am sure we can petition her to at least hear us out."

"What if I don't want too?"

Fit's answer died upon his tongue, waiting to hear what troubled his love so. "As much as I appreciate the offer I don't know if I could stand spending centuries building graves for everyone I have ever cared about…"

"Then we will grow old together." It's one of the easiest choices Fit has ever made, Pac's turn to be speechless as the veteran offers to trade his eternity just for the option to age naturally alongside his soon-to-be-husband. "We can choose the season of our death Pac, as a Goddess Blessed, it would be an honour to hold you long into your hair becoming silver and us both being covered in a thousand wrinkles. I wish to hug you each time you need grounding, sooth any pain that hurts you and spend the rest of my days simply existing and loving you."

"You'd give up your forever…for my decision to die a mortal?"

"If the Goddess appeared before me right now with the offer I'd agree without a beat of hesitation." Fit leans down to press his lips to both of Pac's cheeks before briefly kissing his mouth, muttering these next words for only Pac. "A world without you feels like death and I never, ever want to be lonely again. I've lived for many an era and none were ever filled with the amount of love you have always freely given me in one single age, sure it sounds foolish but I'd be a fool a thousand times over to simply make you smile. Pac, I've owed my second chance at life to you because of what you taught me about unconditional support. Why would I ever give that up?"

"So many pretty words from my handsome love." Pac's voice is so soft Fit nearly doesn't hear him, reaching forward to run his finger gently down one of the many scars across the veteran's face. "How do I even respond to that, you are handing me your entire world and I barely feel like I can hold my own together sometimes."

"Then let me bear that burden with you, its my pleasure as your chosen life companion. Every agony, grief, worry, anything any everything that feels overwhelming I would happily take a portion of to keep you from struggling." Fit isn't sure what poet has possessed him but he holds onto it with greedy intentions watching Pac fall in love with him again, that soft smile reserved only for him as he mumbles three simple words next. "I love you."

"I love you, Fitchie." The way Pac's voice caresses his name is a blessing all on its own, adjusting his position to rest his head against Fit's chest while being gentle with his wound, wrapping them ever tighter together under the stars beside the castle where everything had gone down. "And I will for the rest of my life, you claimed I saved you but I could name many instances where you have done the same for me."

"And you can tell me all about them in the morning, my love, but for now we must sleep. We have a meeting to attend in the morning alongside beginning our preparations to leave. But even as you worry about that, remember I am with you every step of the way."

"You are too good to me, Fit."

"Ah Pac, you are too good to me." Fit whispers watching his handsome fiance allow slumber to steal him away, snuggling him ever closer he sinks into a dreamland of the world they would hopefully be travelling to next, reuniting with souls they both missed entirely too much while taking their next step of their lives together.

For a couple who had been through hell together, it only wove their hearts closer to the point one didn't exist without the other. Fit and Pac, a stoic veteran and runaway prisoner, found their forever in one another and grew stronger while still changing for the better. They were surrounded with so many people who loved them and would tirelessly prove they would never be alone again, and what a perfect ending for their love story that would be.

Two people who were once broken by the world and the trials they faced found stability within each others lives and hearts, and therefore they would spend the rest of their lives healing together while forging a thousand memories they would never forget. Their bond were the type of love stories were written about, songs were sung in favour of, and friends would keep alive as long as they were remembered as they affected each other on such a profound level they were eternally changed by the other.

What a beautiful love it became through careful nurturing and slow acceptance, and would be forevermore as they travelled side by side, as fate destined them to be. Within a universe where they changed for the other parts of their own souls were tangled together permanently and they would be one for eternity. They changed for each other, and were stronger because of it, growing a love so legendary it would endure through anything.

Though they initially didn't get their happily every after on their first world together, they were certainly willing to fight for another chance, and thanks to a little bit of Goddess meddling they will get the gentleness and soft ending they deserve.

There's a shop down the street

Where they sell plastic rings

For a quarter a piece, I swear it

Yeah, I know that it's cheap

Not like gold in your dreams

But I hope that you'll still wear it