A Refuge; A Sanctuary

There are fics for this that actually go into detail about everything. A bit scuffed at the moment, but that's being worked on.

To Mend What Was Broken: s!Purpled, aka Vio, and the journey he and his team take to grab a canon-adjacent server by the throat and demand it become better. Will follow the same major plot beats of the archived/old version, though a fair number of details will be altered.

A (Mostly Benevolent) Server Takeover [Old, Dubiously 'Canon']: Archived version of the fics in which s!Purpled, Vio, teams up with the Bench Trio + Purpled to reform a canon-adjacent world. Major plot points will remain consistent in the new version. Until equivalent fics are uploaded, consider these canon unless contradicted by something later on.

Three to the Infinite Power: Vio, Day, and Theo have to travel the multiverse. They meet some very interesting versions of themselves.

Diversions & Distractions: Side fics, usually focused on the Was-Taken family in some way. Currently of dubious canon-ness. These can easily be skipped without missing much.

Daz grins, putting his com facedown on his chest. “Yeah?” “I can be smart. I just can't be as smart as you, but neither can most people.” “Aww. Just for that very sweet compliment, I'll tell you that manhwas are like comics, kinda.”

No point getting into the weeds on that front. Aster doesn't read a lot, likely due to not really having had the luxuries of time, safety, or access until he arrived in Sanctuary.

Frankly, it's a minor miracle that he didn't need to be taught how to read.

Aster lifts one of his hands to kiss Daz’s knuckles. “Thank you. Seeing you smile was the only reward I needed, though.” “If anyone is a prince, it's you. One of those bad boy types who, like– gets caught feeding stray cats.”

His boyfriend stares at him. “...Stray cats are mean. If I were stupid rich, I'd just– put the damn things in shelters? One meal wouldn't do much.”

Daz pouts up at him, splaying himself out further. “Don’t poke holes in my logic. Also, you are gonna be stupid rich. You've seen my bank account.” “That's your money–” “Money I'll struggle to piss away before I die of old age. And, legally, if we're married…not like I'm gonna begrudge my beloved husband splurging on stuff.”

Aster stares at him, then his eyes light up. “Wait– you trained with an axe? But you use–” “Daggers, yeah. I was too good with an axe to explain, but not good enough to hide that skill.”

His boyfriend seems very interested in this revelation. “Then do you want to start using one again?”

It's…a fair question, actually.

Being in a relationship with Aster is all the justification he needs to explain how easily he wields the weapon.

On top of that, well– he's been in Sanctuary for longer than he was in the Dream SMP by a notable margin.

Dream may have been the first one he saw use an axe proficiently, but he’s nowhere near the best he's seen.

Hell, Daz was able to win or force draws regularly by the time everything went to shit. Day and Aster both stand leagues above Daz in raw skill for axe wielding, and thus incomprehensibly out of reach from his ex-mentor.

Axes are a weapon like any other. Refusing to use one purely for past association is stupid.

“...I could see if Dee would be willing to make me a proper combat axe, yeah.”

It honestly wouldn't even be that hard, if he put his mind to it. There's plenty of angles to approach the matter from. Even an initial no could easily be flipped to a yes.

He sees the way excitement dances in the blue-grey of Aster’s eyes.

Reaching up, he cups his cheek. “This time, I'll be the one getting support from you.”

Aster grins, kissing his palm. “A nice change of pace. Should we aim for you to win in a tournament?”

“Nah. I can already beat most of them, so it’s barely even a test of skill. Now, if we're talking about winning against Theo–”

His boyfriend makes a face. “Are you still mad at him?” “I don't appreciate the invasion of my privacy.” “We both know he didn't have a choice.” “That doesn't erase that it’s invasive and upsetting!”

Aster gathers both of Daz’s hands in his, pressing another kiss to the knuckles. “You can't avoid him forever.” “But–” “I won't force it, at least not right now. I know you need time to come to terms with it. But I'm also not going to push him away. Is that fair?”

Even though he's mad at Theo– furious, even– Daz would never begrudge his boyfriend that friendship.

Aster is loyal to a fault. He can’t help it, just like Daz can't help his own streak of loyalty.

He nods. “I wouldn’t ask you to. I've been in that– that kind of place before. I wouldn’t…I'm not stupid or cruel enough to make you choose.”

Because you aren't sure he'd choose you, Innit hums.

Daz doesn’t bother pretending its wrong.

A soft noise of distress escapes Aster, who looks at him with concern. “Yeah, I– I didn't think of it like that. I know you'd never do that. I didn't mean to–” “Don't apologize. I'm just reminding you so you don't worry about that.”

Daz rubs his thumb over the back of his boyfriend's hand. “I won't control you. I may want things to go my way– for you to side with me, to make it clear you're special to me…but not to the point of you being just– just an obedient yes-man. I don’t want that. I don’t want a trained dog as my partner, I want you.”

“My date turned out amazing,” Daz says, not bothering to look away from his work.

Vio sighs, two fingers rubbing his forehead. “I…don’t even know where to begin with that.”

“Can we maybe start with us being pretty fuckin’ sure that those aren't the Showrunner's pronouns,” Theo points out. “N’, I dunno, call me crazy, but I really don't want ‘em pissed at us ‘cause you misgendered ‘em!”

You pick the most fascinating times to be respectful, comes a familiar and extremely unwelcome voice.

Lee shudders, scooting closer to his Dad. Vio blanches, obviously not a fan of hearing the god's voice.

If you really must know, I was assigned they/them by…fuck, already forgot what term was used! The Executive, the Boss, the pettiest fucking bitch of a–

The harsh sound of glitching, garbled static makes them all jump to varying degrees.

After a moment, the Showrunner snaps, Fine, FINE, point made! 

Daz, who had paused his note-taking, flips over to another tab. Unlike the other one, this one is mostly empty.

Overseer. Aka The Executive, the Boss. Dictated gender for Showrunner, potentially Scribe as well. Showrunner shows antagonism towards them(?). Overseer seems able to punish them in some manner.

Invoked as we would invoke Prime. “By the Overseer” was the phrase used by the Scribe.

Seems to rank highest of all known gods. Unclear if there are others above them or not.

…Are you seriously making dossiers on us?

“If you didn't want us to do that, I have a feeling you could stop us,” Aster says.

Theo jumps in, his anxiety practically tangible. “N’ it, uh, helps us entertain you both! I mean, shit, if we don't put our heads together n’ figure out how to make sure we aren't boring n’ repetitive n’--”

The screen abruptly flicks back to the page on the Showrunner.

At the bottom, scrawled in handwriting instead of text, is added;

Loud. Obnoxious. Meddles unnecessarily. Incapable of handling boredom or quiet. Cannot stand feeling left out or slighted.

Quietly, Daz says, “I really hope it's obvious that that's not me putting that in. I'm good with code, sure, but I can't whip up this kind of blasphemy that fast.”

Oh my god, fuck off! Put your nose back in your books and let me have my fun!

Throws tantrums on a regular basis. Sore loser.

I haven't lost! The bet is still ongoing, Scribs!

Instead of responding in text, there's a second voice.

You cannot help but make problems upon problems. Your meddling has made things so very annoying–

I've made things fun!

So the deal you made with my contractor out of spite is fun? I doubt anyone is enjoying that but you.

Theo’s eyes go wide, and he holds his hands up. “I didn't say anything, so I didn't violate the fuckin’ terms.”

“What are you talking about,” Day hisses, and Theo grimaces.

Before he can answer, the Scribe sighs, The Showrunner chose to be petty upon learning a deal was made with me instead of them. They threatened Theseus’ loved ones to make him agree to a second deal. The price was seeing Aster and Daz’s lives, and they, his. The boon was a way to quantify the latter's emotional state. He was not allowed to explain the circumstances, nor the boon. 

There's a long, pregnant pause.

As everyone stares at him, Theo asks, “Since it got divinely revealed– am I free of the geas? Just, uh, to be sure. ‘Cause, I mean, the meters're doing some concerning fuckin’ things–”

My bitchy twin has decided I can't have fun, so, sure! Fuck me, I guess!

“Cool. Aster, please stop your boyfriend from plotting a fuckin’ lynch mob. I've dealt with that shit before, s’ not a pog time,” Theo says, seeming uneasy.

Daz threatens, “I'll turn you inside out–” “Daz.” “How fuckin’ dare you monitor me?!” “I didn't have a fuckin’ choice! I was– sure, I was fuckin’ worried about you shattering my best friend's heart n’ all–” “The fuck is that supposed to mean?!”

Aster tries again, “Daz.” He’s ignored by the bickering duo. “You tried to off yourself using me once already! N’ that wasn't the first time you used your own fuckin’ death as a way to punish others!”

Daz lunges. He’s barely restrained by Aster, teeth bared as he seethes, “How dare you accuse me of wanting to hurt him like that!”

Theo leans forward, gaze steady. “You already tried it once. N’, again– I wouldn't’ve made the fuckin’ deal if I wasn't forced into it. I didn't get to decide shit about it. You try arguing with either of ‘em when they're pissed at you. See how fast you suffer a fate worse'n death.”

The warrior's gaze shifts ever so slightly to the side. He huffs, “Yeah, s’ what I thought.” “I didn't say anything.” “Too fuckin’ bad! I got fuckin’ forced into seeing your mood swings.”

The two of them glower at each other.

The tense silence is broken by Aster making a noise somewhere between a squeak and a laugh. He presses his suddenly-red face into Daz’s shoulder.

As his own shoulders shake with quiet laughter, both of them turn their attention to him. “Aster?” “What? Did you see something?”

“Let’s– let’s just say that…this isn't the mood you have when you finally fight.”

Theo perks up. “You saw us fighting?” “Mhm.” “Who won? Me, right?”

Daz rolls his eyes. “Fightslut.” “Shut!”

“I'm not telling you. Consider that your punishment from me,” Aster says.

Squawking, Theo protests, “That's fuckin’ bullshit! I didn’t have a choice!”

Aster peeks up at him, lips still pressed to his boyfriend's shoulder. “Yeah, that’s why it's not worse. Daz is upset about it, so I can't do nothing.”

“There's no fuckin’ way he beats me,” Theo mutters, brow knit. Aster replies, “Let me remind you that the only person in the Swords and Shields who's good enough to spar with him is me. And that he's the main reason I'm as good as I am.”

Lee perks up. “He’s why you switched to an axe! And…told you not to try to be Theo?”

The young admin frowns. “What does that mean?”

Having recovered from whatever he saw, Aster lifts his head. He immediately rests his chin on Daz’s shoulder, though, and tugs his boyfriend into his lap.

Before Aster can answer, Daz beats him to it. “He was trying to fight the same way Theo does. Thus, I kicked his ass and gave him a few training sessions to make him realize that he needed to do something different. Trying to mimic Theo's style would have led to him being a pale imitation that could never beat the real deal. It's geared towards his strengths and quirks, not Aster’s.”

Lee’s eyes sparkle with interest. “You've dissected how everyone fights, haven't you?”

Daz shrugs his free shoulder. “I'm me. I can't really turn that off. And it's only for people I've seen fight; I can't say much about, say, Zinn's fighting style.”

“Then what do you think about mine?”

For a moment, Daz is quiet. He seems to be weighing his words– a courtesy extended to a precious few when he’s not acting.

He finally answers, “...You're so light on your feet that it looks like you're dancing. Daggers are the right choice for you, especially with how small you still are. Once you're older, you may want to use something like scimitars. You struggle to keep your sides guarded. Multiple foes are only held at bay because of your vibes. It's a crutch at the moment– one I'm worried about.”

Lee grins widely. “I wanna learn from you.”

Daz blinks a few times. “I– as flattered as I am,  I'm not good–” “We both know modesty doesn't suit you. I can either wear you down, or we can skip me guilt tripping you by you just agreeing!”

There's a long, tired sigh. “As…long as I'm not your only teacher. I think your Dad might shank me if I take that away from him.”

Day huffs. “As long as you know your place.” “Just to be clear, I'm not scared of you. I just don't want to deal with the headache of you being pissy about this. Like it or not, I'm basically going to be your son in law.”

A pregnant pause hangs in the air, until Lee breathes, “‘Cause you marry Aster, n’ Aster is–” “A Was-Taken brother in all but name,” Daz finishes.

Theo wrinkles his nose. “But we've been seeing you, Aster, n’ me together, so you'd actually be a fuckin’ son in law.”

“Wait, what?!” “Holy shit, what?!” “How the fuck do these sorts of things this keep coming out like this?!”

Daz’s eyebrows shoot up. Ignoring the outbursts, he points out, “You're the one who keeps saying you're not interested. I know I'm staying with Aster and that the future can change. Stick to your guns and keep pissing me off, and it'll change again. As cute as those kids are, I'm perfectly happy to just have Azira.”

A complicated expression is on Theo’s face. “I…”

As he struggles for words, Lee nearly vibrates in excitement. “Kids? Plural? My nieces and nephews?! How many, what are their names?!”

“Lee,” Aster says, gently, “You shouldn't get attached. It's better not to know. Daz and I already learned what it’s like to have that kind of future shift. It's not fair to the three of us if you set your heart on something that we might not want.”

Theo rubs the back of his neck. “N’ even if we did get together– big fuckin’ if– things might change, yeah? Maybe the kids're different. It's, uh– like that cat box thing. Observing something makes it different.”

“Schrodinger's cat isn't applicable to this,” Daz mutters. “Fuck you.” “I mean, evidently–” “Daz,” Aster squawks, obviously scandalized.

Vio breaks in. “As fascinating as it is to watch this soap opera, I'd like to get home before dark. If we're done with the info pages, I'll take my leave.”

“Wild that you want to leave,” Raine says. “I'm staying, and maybe making popcorn. I feel a kinship with the Observers right now.”

“Fuck off,” Daz huffs, lobbing a throw pillow at him. “Never. You'd be distraught without me,” Raine teases.

After a moment, Raine grins and says, “Speaking of which– how goes progress on real claims?”

Daz seems a little flustered. “I– I mean…uhm, I have to– have to get used to weaving again, first off. I'm pretty rusty, it's been a while. Then I think…I mean, it's only right that I do Aster’s before anyone else–”

His boyfriend squeezes his middle, grinning as widely as he can. “And I'm working on your bracelet.”

Aster rubs Daz’s bare wrist, humming, “This won't be free for long.”

Daz melts backwards, expression soft and longing. “Promise?” “You're mine, hmm?” “Yours. Mine.” “Of course.”

There's a soft whistle from Day. Despite everything, he has a soft and faintly wistful smile. “You're both serious about this, huh?”

Aster grins, nuzzling his nose against his boyfriend's neck. “Mhm-hmm. Now that I know what it’s like to have Daz’s affection, I'm kinda hooked on it. He can be really sweet and thoughtful…or as sharp and brutal as a blade wielded by a master swordsman. The gap between what he’s capable of and how he chooses to treat me…it's breathtaking.”

“Simp,” Daz laughs, but his cheeks are a little pink. 

Undeterred, tone soft but sure, Aster tells him, “You've had a lot of people abuse your love and loyalty. Isn't it time you have someone who pledges themself to you? Someone as ruthlessly, eternally loyal as you are– someone who wants you? Not the mask, not the pretty lie you've sold everyone else. You, Daz. The temperamental, manipulative, calculating man with more secrets than anyone else could bear. So, yes. I'm a simp. But name me someone who deserves it more than you do.”

Softly, voice trembling a little, Daz breathes, “You're gonna wreck my brain.” “Good,” Aster hums, right in his ear. “It works so hard. I'll give it a little break, yeah?”

Day laughs, obviously caught off guard. “I never thought I'd be jealous.” “Seduce my best friend n’ I'll kill you,” Theo warns.

His dad rolls his eyes. “Not him, not specifically. Just…the idea of being wanted like that by a romantic partner. It's like my instincts are itchy.”

There's a sigh of relief from Theo. “Good! That's good.”

“Even if I were interested in him, which I'm not, I'm not gonna go after another admin's partner. I'm especially not going after Daz’s partner, for reasons that should be obvious,” Day sighs. “I value my sanity.”

“As you should,” Daz huffs. He settles more comfortably on Aster’s lap, continuing, “I would snap you in half like a dry twig.”

Lee is still sulking. “I don’t get why you don't like them, Theo. You're supposed to consider your partner your best friend…”

Theo makes a noise not unlike a tire deflating. “I– it's not that I don't like ‘em–” “Then why're you being so weirdchamp about it?!” “I–!”

The warrior scowls, wings flicking in obvious frustration. “I…can't fuckin’ talk about it. But it’s– it wouldn't be right.”

As the group takes that in, Theo opens his com. “N’ I'm not gonna stand around n’ get grilled about my love life– or fuckin’ lack thereof.”

When he activates a stasis chamber, Raine groans in dismay. “Nooo, my soap opera!” “I'm going to punch you,” Daz threatens.

Raine flips him off. “I've put up with much, much worse from you. We both know you love me.”

When Aster makes a disgruntled noise, Raine sighs. “Platonically.”

Day sighs, opening his console in preparation to teleport. “Since we're not going to get anything else done, I'm going to go start on dinner.”

Aster perks up a little. Looking to Daz, he asks, “Time to head home?” 

Daz grins. “You just want me to cook for you.” “Always. You get so happy when I eat your food, yeah? Plus it tastes really good.”

Blue-grey eyes sparkling with mirth, he adds, “One of many reasons I'm not going anywhere. I never thought food could be so tasty…”

Pink rises on Daz's cheeks. “I– you…I'm not– you can't just say–” “I can and I will. So help me Prime, you will be cherished and adored. Especially for skills you've spent so long honing.”

“Simp,” Raine snorts. “Like I said, he's worth simping over. Plus it's cute how his brain shuts off.”

There's a soft sigh from their mutual best friend. “Hey, you remember how I spent three years telling you that you two could be friends?” “Do you remember how he deliberately kept me pissed off at him out of a misguided attempt to keep everyone safe?”

Daz, who had hidden his face against Aster's chest, mumbles, “It was dumb of me.”

Aster messes with his hair, making Daz relax against him. “Yeah, it was. But we worked through it, and now we're dating with plans to get married and have kids. You're pretty charming when you're not being an asshole.” “Weird to think that we become parents.” “Weirder to think that we become parents with Theo.”

There's a lightly sour look on Daz's face as he lifts his head up. “Well, he seems to think he's too good for us.” “I don't think that's–” “He isn't interested, and neither am I. The future can and will change. I'm not banking on him suddenly deciding he wants us, and even if I did think he'd change his mind, I'm not interested.”

With a soft sigh, Aster lets the matter go. There's no point in arguing with him over this.

Not when he's not entirely sure what Theo is hung up on.

It doesn't seem like he's entirely opposed. If he was, Aster would accept it with grace and let it go.

But…it feels like Theo isn't letting himself consider it. Like there's some kind of dealbreaker that he won't talk about–

Or…that he can't talk about.

Is it related to one of the secrets that have him so messed up? Is that why he was so anxious about Daz's mental state?

The more he considers it, the more certain he is that Theo knows something big about Daz.

He needs to talk to Theo about this, and see if he can get enough clues to figure it out.

Right now, Daz is a bit too hostile towards Theo for Aster to be comfortable having him there for what's sure to be a moment of vulnerability.

Daz stiffens, eyes flashing with anger. “And what did you get for that?”

Wincing as he sees the meters above Daz’s head shift, he tells him, “I– I can't fuckin’ tell you. I, uh…”

He gives a strangled laugh. “Didn't, uh– didn't listen to my own fuckin’ advice. I can say that much, I think.”

The meters he sees hovering around Daz are indicators of various facets of his disposition at any given time. They cover obvious things like hunger, fatigue, boredom, stress, and anxiety; then less obvious ones like isolation, resentment, and touched-starvedness.

And at the top, a percentage that represents the aggregate of those values– the likelihood of Daz trying to kill himself.

It was at 8% when they started. It's shot up considerably in the span of just a few minutes, multiple meters shifting into red and bringing the number up to 19%.

Fuck.

He says, “I didn't fuckin’ want this. I know you don't like it–” “What you got must be valuable, then. Shame I can't judge its worthiness for myself. Convenient, how you got another divine mandate to keep your mouth shut.”

Aster clears his throat, getting both of their attention.

…Huh. Daz’s mood improves just by being reminded that Aster is there.

“You’re keeping someone safe with it, aren't you?”

He laughs softly. Leave it to Aster to know him that well. “...Yeah. Showrunner approached with– an offer I couldn't fuckin’ refuse.”

Something sharp and invisible presses against his skin, a warning that he's getting close to violating the terms of the deal.

After studying him for a moment, Aster sighs and leans back. “...My part of it doesn’t really bother me. If Daz is mad at you, can't do much about it–” “If I'm mad?!” “--Except shut his brain off and give you time to run. Any fallout afterwards is beyond my ability to control.”

…Okay, now he's lost. “Shut…his brain can be fuckin’ shut off?”

Aster cups Daz’s cheek in his hand, staring into his boyfriend's eyes and telling him, “I hope you won't get mad at me if it takes me a while to be happy with your bracelet. I'd never forgive myself if I half-assed it, yeah? In the meantime– maybe I can commission a pair of basalt earrings. Just to prove to everyone that I'm serious.”

A noise of longing escapes Daz, who slumps forward. The meters not directly related to physical states have shot up to green, and the rate has gone down to 0%.

Oh. Oh.

Theo…underestimated how much Daz might be genuinely– that this is as real as can be for him.

He's…relieved, honestly? To know that Aster’s chosen partner is just as full-throated about wanting to be with him as Aster seems to be in return.

It gives him a small sense of desperately needed peace. He probably wouldn't have chosen to know this without being forced, but–

Knowing it lets him breathe a little easier. Daz’s affection is obvious and mirrored in Aster’s fond smile.

Aster laughs brightly as Daz shoots into his lap and clings to him. He teases, “You want me to do that?” “Mm-hmm. Please?” “Of course. If you wanna sew some stuff that's similar, I'll wear it gladly.”

In between blinks, and sees–

Himself.

He's wearing a suit that is alien to Theo, but was likely made by Daz. Subtle golden stars and tasteful navy scrollwork sit against a backdrop of pale blue, expertly tailored and seeming easy to move around in.

The…other him, seems restless. He fidgets, wings rustling and looking down the hall repeatedly.

Daz is the first to emerge, and, oh.

This Daz is adorned with a netherite earcuff with basalt, diamonds, and disc fragments; a diamond-and-disc earring in the shape of a sword– a feather forming the blade; and a wooden bracelet with inlaid basalt and disc fragments is around his wrist.

Other-Daz wears a deep blue dress, the light catching golden stars, small diamonds scattered across the fabric, and shimmering bits of pale blue something showing as he moves.

Diamonds are even woven into his hair, which is longer than how he wears it now.

…Shit. He feels a little flustered at the sight, even though he knows that's not meant for him. So much meaning is infused into the outfit that he can't help finding it fascinating.

Other-Theo's breath catches. “You look so fuckin’ good, babe.”

Preening, Daz strides forward to accept a kiss on the cheek. “You don't clean up half bad yourself. Now, if Aster manages to ever get dressed–”

“We do have some fuckin’ time,” Theo points out.

He's given a look, which makes him instantly deflate. “...Sorry.” “Being late on purpose is one thing. Being late because my other husband can't manage to put a damn suit on is– well, it's about enough to make me want revenge.”

Theo watches as the other version of himself winces, then calls, “Aster, hon, Daz is talking about fuckin’ revenge! Hurry up, or I'm gonna bust in n’ dress you myself!”

The vision cuts off there, depositing him back in his actual timeline.

…He almost feels disappointed that he didn't get to see what the other Aster was wearing.

He sees Aster catch his eye and cock his head in a silent question.

“Oh– uh, I saw…not the fuckin’ past. Uh…looked like we were fuckin'-- getting ready for something fancy. Dressed to the nines n’ whatnot. Christmas Gala maybe…?”

Aster blinks. “Huh. Anything special?” “Daz was wearing a fuckin’ dress. Diamonds n’ gold stars…it was– uh, not something I ever really…”

There's a smug, knowing look from Aster, making Theo huff and look away. “Shut the fuck up.” “I didn't say anything.” “You don’t need to fuckin’ say it–” “Tsk tsk, the great Theseus Was-Taken is all flustered–” “Fuck off!” “‘Cause he's realizing that maybe he might not be as aro/ace as he assumed, either!”

Daz wrinkles his nose, mood dipping a little. “What was Aster wearing?” “Dunno. Didn't get to see it.”

For some reason, Daz seems further displeased by that answer.

He's almost immediately dragged into another vision.

The other version of himself sits behind a young girl, carefully preening beautiful bluejay wings.

She has braids woven into her hair, family earrings in her ears, and bracelets on her wrists.

There's no doubt in his mind that she's one of the children that Theo will never have.

Another him will have the honor of cradling a flesh and blood symbol of an admin's love in his arms; will soothe nightmares and scraped knees; will teach her the joy of soaring through the skies with her flock.

That Theo will be her Dad. The him he actually is can only ever get passing glimpses of her via the whims of fickle gods.

…The Showrunner chose a cruel punishment for him. Just this one glimpse makes his chest ache with longing.

But he knows his place– and knows better than to try to forcibly seize a pale imitation of this future.

It would be the epitome of stupidity, cruelty, and greed. Aster would be hurt, Daz would hate him forever, and…

He can't do that. Not to either of them, and especially not to himself.

He sees the way his other self has a warm, fond smile. “You've been doing your exercises, yeah?” “Mm-hmm!” “Good. Once Aryll gives you the fuckin’ go-ahead, we can start actual lessons.”

Theo’s breath hitches at the way the little girl's face lights up. She wheels around, eyes sparkling as she squeals, “Really?! How soon? Can we make an appointment for tomorrow, or later today, or–!”

The other-him laughs, tugging his daughter into his lap and wrapping her in a winged hug. “I know, I know, you're real eager to start flying. We gotta do it right, though, or you'll hurt yourself.” “But Daaaaad–” “Nope, no fuckin’ buts! You get hurt n’ not only will it take longer while you heal, but your Mama told me he'd let your Grandpa teach you instead of me. Or Lee, or–”

There's a calculating gleam in the little girl's eyes, her wings rustling as she blatantly weighs the pros and cons.

“--and I'll be sad. Cry all night n’ day, yeah? Hide in me n’ Papa n’ Mama's room for weeks n’ weeks.”

The girl deflates. “...You'd really be that sad, Dad?” “‘Course I would be, Rory! You're my precious baby girl, my sweet, clever, firstborn fledgling. I bawled like a big fuckin’ baby when I first held you, yeah? I was so overwhelmed by how much I love you. You getting hurt would break my fuckin’ heart clean in two.”

There's a shy, sweet smile, and Rory– likely Aurora– wraps him in a tight hug.

“Love you too, Dad. I'll be good.” “You always are, princess. You always are.”

Theo finds his heart aching at the knowledge that he can never step into those shoes.

…Maybe his own Dad rubbed off on him more than he realized. He never thought about starting a family before, but–

“The hell is that look for?”

Blinking, he realizes that he's been ruminating too long. Aster looks concerned, but Daz seems wary.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he says, “Ah– just…saw one of the kids. Uh, Aurora. She…I was talkin’ about teaching her to fly. Stirred up some– I dunno, some weird feelings.”

He shrugs, trying to play it off. “Doesn't really matter, I guess?”

Aster tilts his head to the side as he studies him. “...You want to be a dad, don't you?”

Uhg, of course Aster can clock the core of it so easily. “I dunno, never fuckin’ thought about it. N’ kids with Daz–” “Excuse me?”

At the way Daz’s meters and tone indicate his displeasure, Theo groans. “It’s just fuckin’ weird, okay?! N’ they'll be smart n’ shit– whatever else anyone wants to say about you, you're a fuckin'-- a genius, yeah? You could give Dee a run for every penny he has, n’ that's not a compliment I give lightly. Shit, I watched Rory weigh if potentially fuckin’ overtaxing herself n’ getting hurt was worth getting to fly sooner, n’ she had to be– be emotionally manipulated into rejecting it–”

Daz blinks a few times. Baffled, the admin says, “You're not stupid, though.” “Being not stupid n’ being able to keep up with you are two wildly different fuckin’ metrics, Daz.”

There's a shrug, Daz seeming smugly pleased. “As long as you're aware.”

Arms folding around Daz’s waist– triggering a surge of positive emotions in said person– Aster hums, “Feel any more inclined to seriously consider trying it, then?”

He chokes. Maybe it's because he's the only one aware of the truth, but having Aster just– so willing to accept it without further question, and Daz being jealous–

It's weird. He isn't even sure if he is interested, but the two of them just taking it as a given is making him doubt himself.

Does he want it? Is he just…feeling guilty about it? After all, they're laboring under an assumption that Theo knows is false.

It would pretty much be building a relationship on top of a lie. A lie that will be revealed eventually– and then what?

So, no. It's not something he can humor, regardless of where his feelings settle.

Not until they know the truth. Then, and only then, could he even consider being with them without it ending in heartbreak.

As if to confirm his choice is correct, Theo has the dubious honor of watching as Daz kills his mentor.

The cruel mockery and cold-blooded codework pale in comparison to seeing Daz throw a set of duo items into a fire.

Daz destroyed something vital to his own mental health purely because it would hurt his enemy, too.

Even bound with an enchantment, Daz found a way to kill Dream in body and a part of his spirit.

Crossing him isn't just stupid, it's suicidal.

As soon as he’s back in his own body, he tells Daz, “Saw you burn that fuckin’ monster's duo set with you.”

Daz’s jaw flexes. “...And?”

“N’ I'm glad you got fuckin’ revenge.”

The admin stares at him, expression carefully blank.

Theo, however, is able to see the meters shift.

Head tilting, eyes boring into Theo’s, Daz tells him, “You're wrong. I got my revenge when he watched me walk away. I escaped him by running off to a place he could never follow. I was alive, though. That would have given him hope. A stupid, foolish hope that someday I might come crawling back.”

Abruptly, Daz gives a bark of humorless laughter and shoves his bangs out of his face. Sneering, he adds, “I hope he's still waiting! I hope he's lost what was left of his mind, and now wanders those blackstone halls he wanted so fucking bad! I hope every second is an eternity in the hell of his own making. I hope his suffering only ends when he can't take it anymore and offs himself.”

Aster’s arms tighten around Daz’s waist. He murmurs, “He's not worth the venom. You're out of his reach forever, in a place that knows your worth. You're with people who cherish you. You're…you're with me now. And I'm going to make you the happiest you've ever been, Daz. I'll do all that sappy romantic shit you probably like– make sure all those admin instincts are satisfied.”

Theo almost feels like a voyeur as he sees meters quantify how every word soothes and reassures Daz.

“...Promise?” “Of course. Just promise you won't mock me too much when I fumble, yeah?”

Daz grins, teasing, “You giving me goldenrod was funny, though?” “I forgot some people have their own flowers!”

It takes Theo a moment to remember why those sound familiar. “Oh. S’ Lucid's flower, right?"

Aster huffs. “I was focused on the– look, I didn't think about meanings or symbolism. Or, not that kind, anyway.”

He's not following.

“Aster made a bouquet of asters and goldenrod for me,” Daz tells him.

Wings rustling, Theo says, “Flower language is a bit weird, I think? But Aster pro'lly meant–” “Representations of the two of us, clumsily arranged together and awkwardly handed over on our first date. He completely forgot other meanings exist. I love them so much that I've preserved them just as they are,” Daz sighs. He has a fond, almost dreamy expression.

Admins. Lee does the same thing when he gets floral gifts, so it’s not a huge shock that Daz does it too.

…Come to think of it, there's a nonzero chance that Lee learned how to do it from Daz.

Weird to think that this mercurial bastard has been teaching Lee.

No, more than that– that Daz shut away a vital part of himself and donned a perfect disguise in order to protect Lee.

It makes him breathless with awe every time he's reminded of it. After all, Theo has been around Daz plenty of times.

Neither he nor the Fates noticed anything odd about him. He always seemed…gentle. Sweet, even; a bubbly, friendly guy who had been through hell and still chosen kindness.

Knowing that he was actually a master manipulator making them all dance to his tune is still hard to accept.

Maybe…in some ways, the prickly attitude and arrogance are just another mask.

Because the truth lies somewhere in the middle; Daz can be kind, generous, and ruthlessly loyal. He can also be cruel, manipulative, and vengeful.

Whatever his exact nature is, Daz is just Daz.

Aster seems smitten, a warm and fond smile curled on his lips.

Both of them look happy.

Slowly, he turns his gaze from them to his red-faced boyfriend. “...Did you give me asters, Aster?” “...Maybe…” “And– goldenrod? Are these goldenrod?”

He's looked at blankly.

As cute as this is, Daz can't help but double over with laughter.

“I–! What, what's so funny?!”

He wheezes, “You– asters mean patience and elegance, for one!” “I– I forgot about flower meanings.” “Goldenrod are also known as solidago.”

It’s obvious that Aster isn’t aware of the hiccups with that fact.

“Growth, encouragement, good luck, good fortune–” “Those don't sound that bad.” “And caution.”

Aster looks dismayed. “But they're– little and stuff! They mean caution?!”

Deeply amused, Daz tells him, “More importantly, they’re Lucid’s flower.”

“...Fuck.”

Giggling to himself, Daz looks the sad bouquet over. It looks like Aster tried to make it himself, probably thinking it couldn't be that hard.

Even though it technically sends a really weird message, it's also incredibly charming. He must have put thought into it– just not the right kind of thought.

“You’re so sweet. I know what you meant.”

There are several rapid blinks, Aster asking him, “You– you do?” “Of course I do. Asters from Aster, mixed with yellow-colored goldenrods. You must have wracked your brain to find something just right. You even made the bouquet yourself. It's…”

He gives Aster a warm, genuine smile. “I might have laughed, but it’s also really cute of you. I love them.”

Aster chokes a little as Daz drags him into the aquarium. He links their arms together at the ticket booth, beaming at the person manning it. “Two, please!”

The expression on the Sapnap’s face is priceless. “...Are…you here on– on a dare?” “What? Don't be silly, we're on a date!”

He scans his card before either of them can recover. “It’s our first one! I even got flowers.”

Aster’s face is bright red, unable to look at the guy. “And you– you dressed up. It…looks nice. Uhm– y…you, look nice.”

As awkward as it is, Daz is once again deeply charmed by him.

He's clearly trying, even if he's not good at it yet.

It's a surprise that Aster noticed the change, actually; his usual breathable cotton shirts under butter yellow hoodies have been swapped for a short sleeve black turtleneck and grey-and-yellow pinstripe blazer.

His pants are still grey jeans, meaning he's not out of place next to Aster’s heretofore unseen polo shirt.

“You did, too. I'm pretty sure your shirt is new, right?” “...Yeah.”

Daz grins at him. “Silly to spend money on that now.” “I– don't follow…?”

He lowers his voice to a playful hum, telling his boyfriend, “I'm going to redo all of your clothes. I'll sulk for weeks if you wear someone else's work. Only mine.”

Tone returning to a normal chipper one, he adds, “But I haven't been clear enough about that yet, I guess! I'm going to be remaking all of your clothes and then some. You'll have a nice, big wardrobe made by your expert tailor boyfriend.”

Aster stares at him, mouth agape.

The reader chimes, so he takes his card back and steers his date inside.

“A– all of my clothes? But they work just fine–” “They can be improved. Also…it'll make me happy. It's a form of claiming, you know? A way for me to show how much I care. You're mine, Aster. That means I'm going to give you the best of the best. If I had enough free time, I'd be weaving the fabric, too.”

Taking the opportunity to take charge while Aster tries to wrap his head around it, he heads to his favorite area.

Axolotls swim around, playing with each other. A few of them break off and swim up to the glass near them– a blatant show of favoritism, since they're not the only people in the room.

He has no doubt they're instinctively drawn to him, either because he's a mod or because San likes him so much.

It's something he's used to by now. Mobs, especially animals, gravitate towards him.

At least axolotls are a hell of a lot cuter than other ones; any venture into areas with hostile mobs renders him a target.

Even cows and sheep can be a headache, given their bulk.

Wiggling his fingers at the cuties, he coos, “Hi, little guys! How nice of you to say hello.”

Aster, to his credit, manages to clock the situation faster than Daz thought he would. “You've been here before.”

“It’s been a while though,” Daz tells him. “Plus you'd have trouble finding somewhere I haven't been. I check out places to be able to add them to the database. You could have taken me anywhere from the movies to blackjack to a strip club and I'd have been there.”

It’s actually a problem, because he’s desperately tried to convince people to willingly submit their new businesses for the database. There’s a fucking reward system, and yet nobody bothers!

He’s even tried adding it into orientation, and yet it did nothing. Why the fuck do none of them want the free money he’s trying to hand them?! 

Disbelieving, Aster echoes, “You've been to a strip club?” “I was curious what it was like, I was curious if I'd enjoy myself, and I wasn't going to ask one of the others to do it for me. Weirdchamp thing for a boss to ask you to do, and I try to have some idea of the places in the database.”

The others might give him shit for some of his actions, but he does still have lines he won’t cross.

The stare gets more intense. “And?”

“I didn't care for it. Kind of boring, honestly? I decided that I'd exclude that genre of establishment from my research.”

He'll choke down shitty food, but he's pretty sure it wasn't fun for anyone involved to have him politely disinterested at even what's supposedly one of the nicer strip clubs.

One of your few smart decisions. It was weird.

It was awkward and uncomfortable. He couldn't see any appeal, at which point he just kind of assumed he had no interest in anything of that nature.

Now, he's reconsidering that he might just be…selective.

Aster seems to relax a little.

…Was he jealous?

Leaning against his boyfriend's side, he teases, “Now, if you want to put on that kind of show for me–” “Daz.” “I'm just saying, it'd be way more likely to do something for me.” 

“I don't appreciate being mocked.”

The quiet mutter makes him scoff softly. “Teasing, sure, but mocking? You're being silly. Almost as silly as you sulking at the idea of me liking the sight of anyone else like that.”

Consider the third person that's going to get tangled up in your bullshit.

No, actually, he will not be doing that. Innit can fuck off and stop providing unwanted commentary!

Aster makes an affronted noise, protesting, “I was not sulking.” “You relaxed when I said I didn't like it.” “That– that's not sulking.” “If I had said yes you definitely would have sulked.” “Daz.”

He grins, twining their fingers together. “Yes, honey?” “You’re giving me mixed signals.” “Oh? How so?”

Heaving a sigh, Aster explains, “You– keep laughing at me, then calling me cute or sweet. You got– kind of possessive, and then mocked me for not liking the idea of you looking at someone else.”

Daz’s eyes widen as Aster cups the side of his face. “Drape me in your work, fuel me with your cooking, curl up in my arms every night…but don't laugh when I want to have some part of you that's all mine.”

He breathes out, head fuzzy from instincts, “Yours.”

A pleased smile curls on Aster’s mouth as his thumb runs just under Daz’s cheekbone. “Mm-hmm. You’re mine, just like I'm yours.”

Daz sways against him, clinging to Aster for support. Aster hums, his arms circling around his middle. “You look drunk.”

“Instincts,” he mumbles into his partner's shoulder.

He can feel how much Aster likes that answer. “Just hearing that wrecks your brain?” “Affirmation of bond. Feels– warm. Accepting. Good.”

There's another hum. “Makes me wonder if you'll be able to walk after I give you a claim.”

Definitely not. Tell him not to do it before I'm free, I don’t want to be there if things get weird.

Instead of bothering with that, Daz asks, “You’re– have you started it yet?” “...No. But I– I mean, I want it to be special. Using the ones we've seen feels like cheating. I have some ideas, though. I– uhm, I want to be sure it's right. I know it's really important, so…”

He tilts his head to be able to study Aster’s expression.

It's such a familiar face, but the look on it– subtle for most but clear as day to anyone familiar with him– isn't.

Warm. Fond. Like nothing exists but the two of them in this moment.

Reluctantly, he pulls back a little. He wants to stay like that, but Daz is aware they're in public.

This is already going to cause a firestorm of gossip and rumors as it is. Daz can handle it– has handled worse– but he doesn’t want to totally ruin Aster’s peace of mind.

Instead, he twines their fingers together again. Bringing it up and kissing the back of Aster’s scarred hand, he says, “We can plan on a day to give them to each other. I'm– it's going to wreck my ability to do much of anything. I will tell you that I am going to be weaving for it, though.”

Aster seems surprised. “You will?” “It's important. I can…”

For a moment, he hesitates. He usually doesn't want others around, and it's important to him to have some secrecy.

But at the same time…

“I haven't– haven't done it in a while. If you want to watch me while I get familiar with it again…”

A wide grin spreads across his boyfriend's face. “Yeah– yeah! I'd– I'd really like that. Will you let me watch you work on an endless number of undershirts for me, too?”

He scoffs. “You’re thinking too small. Once I'm happy with one, I'll just copy it to a suitable number. It's my own work, my time is valuable, and if Aver whines about fabric I can throw more money at him.”

That seems to take Aster by surprise. As they meander through the aquarium, his boyfriend asks, “That makes sense to me, but I know you're worried about perceived abuse of power.” “Anyone else who wants to complain is first required to handle at least one fourth of what I get done in an average day. It serves nobody's interest for me to make the same thing a dozen times. I've already been doing it for my own stuff, anyway.”

The reflection of the water shows on Aster’s face as they watch dolphins playing. A few of them come closer, showing off and vying for his attention.

“I’m surprised you decided that was fine,” Aster notes.

After a moment, Daz admits, “You get used to taking certain shortcuts. Even if you break them, it’s easy to fall back into the habit.”

A shadow passes over Aster’s eyes, his hand squeezing Daz’s.

It’s a gentle squeeze, though; careful and measured, in spite of whatever Aster just saw. He knows his own strength, and knows how to make sure he only hurts what he intends to.

He can tell that Aster saw something, though. There’s always a subtle shift in his expression, and it makes it easy to tell.

Instead of commenting on it, Aster instead tells him, “If you start making a whole wardrobe for me without making anything for Lee or Raine, I’m pretty sure they’ll kill both of us.” “You’d get wrecked by Lee, of course, but mostly because you’d sooner take the L than hurt him. Raine, though…I mean. C’mon, now.”

“I feel like he’d be insulted if he heard that.” “He’d be delusional if he thought he could beat you in combat. Even with a perfect trap, I just…don’t think that’s possible.” “I can think of a scenario where he could,” Aster chuckles.

With the sidelong glance and faint quirk of his boyfriend’s lips, Daz knows immediately that he means that it’d be possible if Daz was involved.

Pleased, he answers, “You’re so sweet.” “You don’t get enough credit for how capable you are. Prime help us if you ever use that against us.” “Aww, you’ll make me blush,” Daz giggles, leaning into his side again.

The gossip spawned from tonight is going to dominate the minds and mouths of Sanctuary for at least a month. Like it or not, both of them are capital-I Important. They serve in very public roles doing very public good.

The server knows them and their habits– or at least thinks they do– and this is going to feel like a radical departure from that.

Aster surely knows this. He might not be the kind of schemer that Daz is, but he’s not stupid. If nothing else, he’s surely aware of how much everyone gossips just based off of how much Daz has bitched about it over the years.

Thus, his boyfriend is clearly exploiting the rumor mill on his behalf! Aster is setting him up as being capable, something that people will take notice of.

Aster’s own reputation means his words on such things carry weight.

There’s no way that’s intentional. You’re reading too much into it.

Spitefully, Daz murmurs in Aster’s ear, “You’re doing this on purpose, right?”

The corner of Aster’s mouth twitches upwards. “I think you’ve been underestimated for too long, is all.”

He’s definitely enjoying the subtle, almost subconscious flex of power that Aster is using. The renown that Daz half-bullied him into obtaining is now being used to make Daz feel all the more special.

His instincts pulse in the back of his head, making him grin back at him. “I’m so tempted to kiss you right now.”

Face turning red, Aster mutters, “Don’t say things you don’t mean.” “Why do you think I’m lying?”

Turning towards him to look into his eyes, Aster answers, “There’s no way that you would want to kiss me for the first time in public. You’re already acting tipsy. You’d never make it worse by doing something with so many unknowns in a place like this.”

Gods, the way that Aster is right makes Daz wants to prove him wrong.

Evidently sensing that, his boyfriend turns a little more red. “Please don’t risk me needing to cancel the rest of my plans to literally carry you home.” “But–” “If you’re going to kiss me, shouldn’t you make sure I did a good job first? You might hate what else I planned on.”

If it was given as much thought as everything so far, that’s impossible.

The effort is clumsy, but all the more endearing for it. Aster so obviously has no experience with anything remotely like this– not that Daz doubted that, of course– but is still trying so hard.

It’s exactly what he needed. He’s spent so long planning and scheming that…he finds himself willingly, eagerly helpless in the face of this kind of awkward care.

“This is amazing,” he finds himself answering. “I– I know you did a good job.” “Really?” “Really. It’s…just right. I don’t need perfection, not from you. You did research for me. You made me a bouquet. You bought clothes, even! I…I’m really happy.”

Aster lights up, clearly pleased with that praise. “Good. That’s all I wanted. You deserve it– deserve happiness. Even if you can’t believe it yet…I’ll wait for you to accept it.”

Good god, get me out of here and find a fuckin’ room. In that order, don’t you dare try the other way around.

Really not Daz’s fault that Innit keeps trying to stir the pot rather than focus on the task of crafting a body that won’t end up with one or both of them dead.

Which it really should be aware of. Its causing its own hell, so maybe it should be quiet and tune this all out.

Aka, if it doesn’t shut the fuck up and stop third wheeling Daz’s date, he is going to turn into a petty little bitch and bother it right back.

Despite Innit sulking and huffing in his head, he says, “You’re right, though; kissing you can wait. I’d hate to ruin your plans! Besides, this is too public for that.”

Aster nods, looking at once relieved and ever so slightly disappointed.

“You know,” his boyfriend says, “I can’t help but notice that all of the animals keep swimming over to us.”

Oh, he was wondering how long it’d take for him to notice. “Yeah, that’s normal. All mobs kinda just– gravitate towards me? I’m pretty sure it’s ‘cause San likes me. It uh…causes some problems. At least with hostile mobs.”

“Wait– how long has this been–?” “Mm,” Daz says, sucking in the air through his teeth. “I dunno, kinda the whole time I’ve been here? I’ve always been good with animals, though. They just– cooperate? Are nice, I guess…?”

With a shrug, he watches as various marine life linger nearby before eventually moving on. Usually, once mobs see him for a bit, they’re content to continue with their usual routines. “Piglins really like me, too. Then again, I mean, I wear a ton of gold.”

Aster hums in agreement, brow subtly creased. “You do.” 

There’s a short pause, and then Daz feels scarred fingers gently rub the piercings of one of his ears. “I think you should try some new shapes, though.”

“L– like…?” “I think a silver star would be nice. Maybe with a piece of basalt in the middle, yeah? It’d be a nice compliment for your actual item.”

Daz’s breath hitches. “You’re going to make me want to do more for you.” “Then I’ll double down until you run out of things to do.”

A laugh bubbles out of him. “Are– are you seriously getting competitive over that?” “Maybe,” Aster hums.

It’s obvious that his boyfriend is enjoying flirting with him, and Daz finds that he’s enjoying it too.

The attention of someone he cares about being focused on him in such a public way is absolutely intoxicating.

Despite Daz having to push him to have a date at all, Aster seems to be making the most of it and making his intentions very, very, very clear.

Daz…has gotten used to a certain type of hunger. Of being touch starved; of his admin soul thrashing against his netherite-willed refusal to harm the people he still struggles to admit he cares for.

It’s still new and startling not to flinch away from the thought that he does care for them. He keeps starting to try and bargain with the curse– try to convince it that there’s no true connection in much the same way he was able to argue with his enchantment– before remembering that he doesn’t need to.

Before remembering that there is no curse. He’s free to love and be loved, and such a thing is so alien that it almost hurts.

A good kind of hurt, though. It's not unlike lancing a boil; the misery as you force the infection out, and then the bruised skin that's left behind.

This ache is a good ache. He’s flushing the toxins out of his body, mind, and soul, leaving behind…

Well, Daz isn't normal and never will be. But despite the long-festering wounds inside of him, maybe he can reach a state that could be called healthy.

“Boss?!”

Daz startles out of his thoughts as they’re approached by a Dream Team trio he immediately clocks as part of the Swords and Shields.

Kind of hard not to, given they're all wearing the earcuffs identifying its members.

“Holy shit, you’re at an aquarium?” “I thought you hated stuff like this,” the Dream notes. “You said it sounded boring.”

Aster clears his throat, still awkward as ever in situations like this. “I…might have said that, yeah.”

Daz squeezes his boyfriend's arm, leaning against his side to pout, “You took me somewhere you think is boring?! Star.”

“It’s not–! I didn’t know for sure, and I was–”

Seeing him flounder like this, a flash of panic in his eyes, is maybe a little too entertaining.

With a tone like he's making a joke, the George scoffs, “Took you here? What, like a date?”

Daz beams at him, wishing he could kill all of them for intruding. “Got it in one! I got flowers and everything. He even got a new shirt, which I told him was silly ‘cause I'll be remaking all his clothes soon–”

“Pfft, yeah, right.”

He lets his smile fade until his expression is entirely serious. Staring at them with wide eyes, he says in an even, almost warning tone, “I'm not kidding.”

Because Aster isn’t an idiot, he intervenes before Daz takes things any further. “He's not. We're dating. This is our first one, actually.”

Evidently concerned about him, Aster turns his head to study him. Threading their fingers together, he murmurs, “It’s going to take some getting used to. We knew this.”

“I don't like being called a liar about things I take seriously,” Daz mutters. “Especially when we were already…I've been making food for you for almost a month. And we– you've been helping me with my…problem.”

He's tugged forward into a hug, even though Aster must know part of this is just him being pissy they were interrupted.

“Other people don't really know about that, though,” his boyfriend gently points out. “We've both been extremely firm about being aro/ace, too. It makes sense that others would be confused.”

Sullenly, he slides his arms over Aster’s shoulders and presses his mouth to his shoulder. “But it's annoying,” he mutters, willing the interlopers to fuck off already.

“I– uhm, yeah, what the boss said,” the Dream stammers, seeming the most uneasy out of the trio.

Makes sense, given he had been in a rough place with his original Tommy.

None of this group came from the same world, instead having formed a bond within the Swords and Shields.

Aster sighs softly, carding a hand through Daz’s hair. He can’t help but sink against him, relaxing from the familiar motion.

Then his boyfriend leans in to murmur, “I planned on us doing Bedwars after this. You want to drag them there and let them see how well we work together?”

Daz perks up, pulling back just enough to grin widely at him. Leave it to Aster to know exactly how to lift his spirits. “Date saved! Let's do that, please.”

He extracts himself from Aster in order to turn to the trio. “Because you were jerks and interrupted our date and called me a liar, you're going to come play Bedwars with us! Then we'll be even.”

The George protests, “How is that fair?!” 

“If you don't want to do that, it's okay! I'll just hold a grudge and exact revenge in less obvious, immediate, and stoppable ways.”

With a giggle, Daz says, “Gosh, did you know that I, like– know a whole lot of people? It'd be suuuuuper easy for me to make a few calls and kinda just–”

He mimes an explosion, complete with a sound effect.

“--y'know? I don’t usually use my connections for that kinda stuff, buuuuuuuut for this? Mm…yeah, no. Be it a tithe of bruises or a tithe of gossip, you will pay for this.”

Aster warns, “I'm not going to be able to stop whatever he starts. If you have any sense at all, you'll just come play the damn game. Then, at least, you'll get a chance to see Daz in action.”

Bright and bubbly, Daz giggles, “Surely my nosy juniors want to know just how good I am, right?”

“I’ve heard rumors the only person good enough to spar with you is Aster,” the Sapnap says, clearly doubtful. “And didn't you join after us–?”

“Daz was an early member, he just never came into the training hall,” Aster tells them.

Ever-so casually, Aster rubs the shield charm on Daz’s earcuff.

Maybe, one day, he'll wear his real one. For now…he still needs to keep some secrets.

“I was there for the Blind Man’s Bluff game, you do not want to fight him,” the Dream mutters. “It was– it was like he was hacking!”

Again, Aster says, “If he decides to retaliate, I can’t do anything about it. Not just because we’re dating but, I mean–” “You’re still mad about the Among Us games, huh?” “So mad.”

Daz grins at his partner’s sullen expression. “I’ll make it up to you later?” “You could make it up to me now.”

He laughs, bright and cheerful. “Oh, Star…you don’t want me to make it up to you here. There are witnesses, yeah? I thought we agreed to save that for when we’re alone.”

Adorably, red spreads across Aster’s cheeks and his gaze skitters away. “I– uhm. Didn’t think you meant– that.”

“You can be embarrassed,” the Sapnap says, like that’s an alien concept. “He’s all shy at the thought of getting a kiss! It’s so sweet, and I’m going to abuse that fact ‘cause I love this side of him,” Daz giggles.

“Daz,” Aster squawks, staring at him in minor horror. “Yes, dear?” “Do you have to be like this?” “You know the answer to that,” he hums, idly twirling a strand of his own hair around a finger.

Because he’s staring at his boyfriend, he sees the exact moment that he decides to get even. Chin kicking up, Aster tells him, “I’m going to carve a bracelet for you and I will need multiple tries to make sure it’s perfect. So while you’re plotting all those clothes, make sure anything you make for yourself shows off your wrists. Mine, too, obviously.”

His brain breaks a little.

“You’re– doing a bracelet?” “Mm-hmm.” “For me. I’m getting a bracelet from you?” “And I’m going to carve it myself. I bet I can get help for the stones and any metal, because I know it’s important that I do the work on my own.”

Oh. Oh.

Warmth fills his chest so much it’s hard to breathe. He almost feels dizzy from it, from–

Love, maybe? He’s not sure; he’s not entirely positive he’s capable of that feeling.

A pair of hands cup his face, and Aster smiles ever so gently at him. “You like the sound of that?”

He nods, unable to find words.

“Good. Are you even able to think right now?”

He shakes his head.

“Even better. That clever admin brain getting wrecked was the entire point of saying it,” Aster hums. He’s clearly pleased, his thumbs running over Daz’s cheeks with unexpected tenderness.

Meekly, he nuzzles one of his boyfriend’s palms. “M’ yours?” “For as long as you’ll have me.”

The idea of rejecting him makes his chest sting. He mutters, “You’re mine now, too. Goes both ways.”

Aster snorts, smile growing. He teases, “It’s really unfair how cute you are like this, Daz.” “Mmh?” “It’s…I dunno. You looking at me like this, all– all sweet and vulnerable…makes me want to give in to your every whim.”

Right now, the only thing he wants is to be as clingy as possible. Eyes getting bigger, he pleads, “Then let’s go home? Takeout and a movie sounds really nice.”

“...On one condition.”

At this point, he’d do anything.

Aster turns his head, and Daz abruptly remembers that they have an audience.

…An audience that has actually grown a fair bit since this all started.

“Forgive them, and you’ll get all the cuddles you want. I’d be very sad if you tainted our first date by getting revenge for people not immediately realizing it’s a date.”

You should tell him no. Revenge is more important than anything else.

Damnit. Daz huffs, “I– fine, sure. Forgiveness, or whatever. You said you couldn’t do anything if I retaliated–” “Technically still the case. I’m acting preemptively, though, which is different. Damage control before the damage. Or, well, more damage than people realizing you’re not as innocent as you seem.”

“We have mandatory therapy for a reason,” he points out. “Very much not the point, Daz.”

Rolling his eyes, Daz shoves his wrist upwards. “Shut. I’m getting my cuddles, damnit, and now I’m going to pick where we eat from.” “Oh no, what a terrible price to pay,” Aster snorts, “you taking the task I have no idea how to do from me and I get to watch you be clingy. Truly, the worst timeline.”

“I know where you sleep.” “No shit, it’s literally next to you!”

Annoyed, Daz keys in the coordinates for his own home.

Aster stumbles, but quickly catches himself. “Did– wait, you teleported us?!” “Yeah, duh? Our business there was done, we decided to come home. Teleportation is a perk of my station, I’m going to use it when I don’t feel like dealing with annoying situations. Other people can set up stasis chambers anyway, it’s not like I did much different.”

His boyfriend opens his mouth, closes it, and then opens it again to say, “I– I guess? I still think it’s a bit–” “If you keep debating, I’ll pick the movie,” Daz warns.

“Is now a bad time to admit I don’t really know any movies? And, uh, kind of trust your opinion more…?”

The sheepish admission does make Daz snort.

You know, he had more things planned. You kinda ruined everything by being weird.

Annoyed, he hisses, “Will you stop?! You're the one who keeps wanting to indulge in drama, so shut the fuck up! Let me have my date in peace, asshole!”

“Didn't you two leave like, less than an hour ago? Daz, did you set something on fire?”

He grumbles in displeasure at the realization that Raine is lounging in the den.

Aster sighs. “We came home early. Daz’s brain kept getting wrecked from instincts. Aaand he was about to start throwing punches because someone asked why I was there.”

“Bold to think I wouldn't shank them.”

Raine's head tilts. “...So, out of curiosity–”

He's startled when Aster cups his face in both hands. Staring into his eyes, his boyfriend hums, “It’s kind of a relief that you wanted to just watch a movie and have takeout instead of the rest of what I had planned. Not only do I not have to worry about fucking up, but I don’t have to share this– this weirdly adorable side of you.”

Warmth blooms on his cheeks, his body swaying forward a little. “Mm. I just– it's hard to think. Or act. You keep…doing it on purpose. I'm– half tempted to just…order from somewhere we can get drinks…”

“Absolutely not. Do not get double drunk. Just because I can carry you home–” “You have a bed, too.”

Aster chokes a little, seeming at a loss for words.

What, is it that weird? They sleep in Daz’s bed, but Aster’s is somehow more intimate?

He doesn't understand.

Raine breaks in with a baffled, “This is weirder than I expected. I regret asking. Do I need to, like– go somewhere else tonight?”

“No,” Daz says, right as Aster says, “Yes.”

They stare at each other.

“Aren't we going to your house?” “That– okay, yeah, I kind of forgot that was an option. It's– small, though, and–” “Small means cozy.” “My bed is tiny.” “Ehh. I used to sleep on a couch. Your bed can't be that bad.”

There's a soft flinch, likely because Aster has seen just how tiny it was.

Daz tells him, “But getting drunk was a joke. You're free to cradle me in your arms all the way back to my room–”

With a soft whistle, Raine notes, “I've never seen you blush before. Fascinating that you're capable of doing that.” “So sue me, Daz is– he's good at making me feel all…flustered.”

“It’s my new favorite thing to do, I think. I'm pretty sure flirting is– oh, shit, right, let me put the flowers in something!”

As Daz locates an old vase he doesn't remember when or why he got, he senses Raine give Aster a confused look.

Whatever unanswered question he has is answered by Daz putting water in the vase and then carefully transferring his bouquet into it.

“...You got flowers. You brought flowers to Daz,” their mutual friend says slowly, seeming not to be able to process that fact.

He gushes, “Aster brought me asters! And also goldenrod.” “That…isn't that one taken?” “Solidago, Lucid’s flower. But it's really cute that he thought so hard about it! He got a new shirt, too. It was– clumsy, and awkward, and I'm like five seconds from kissing him.”

Aster slumps onto a nearby stool, burying his face in his arms. “Please stop teasing me about that.” “Still barely a joke.”

“Y'know what,” Raine says, abruptly heading for the stairs. “I'm gonna go– uh, it's early enough that Khons and Aleph are probably awake still…? Or maybe I can go hang out with Theo.”

“Theo is dealing with some rough emotions right now,” Aster admits, wincing when Daz levies him with a suspicious look.

Slowly, his boyfriend admits, “Theo might have– look, I swear I didn't do anything crazy or obvious! But, uh, well…he kind of guessed exactly what we've been seeing. Soooo…I didn't feel right just– just lying to him about it when we were already gonna come clean soon.”

Is that why he's been so nice? Hah!

A little growl rises up from his chest. “And?” “He doesn't– it feels weird. He doesn't want to feel like he's your enemy, but more importantly, he just…doesn’t even know if he does want it.”

Daz’s sight is overtaken by the future versions of both Aster and Theo gently swaying in place. Twin little girls are nestled safely in their arms, old enough to be able to cling to their dads but young enough that they must weigh nothing.

Soft, cooing noises slip out of Theo. Avian sounds? There's a little chirp from the one future-Aster is holding, making future-Theo melt with blatant adoration.

Future-Aster laughs, “What, what did she say?” “She called me Dad,” Theo says, kissing the little girl's fluffy golden hair.

She trills, swapping to clinging to Theo. The other girl chirps the same way, trading with her twin to hang on to Aster.

“That's right, Aurora. We're both your Dads. Your poor Mama is taking a well-deserved break–” “We had to fuckin’ negotiate with him so he'd take a nap. You'd think he's raising you two alone.”

Aster snorts, cuddling the little girl– Aurora– and teases, “They won't understand how stubborn he is.” “That'll change real fuckin’ fast.” “I dunno– we're not exactly slouches in that regard.” “Meaning…?”

Aster grins, kissing Aurora's chubby cheek. “Our kids have so much stubbornness in them that it might beat our husband.”

Daz blinks, brow furrowed as he processes what he just saw.

“...How the fuck does that happen,” he mutters, baffled at the prospect of– what, kids with all three of their genes?

Heaving a sigh, Aster admits, “I– I saw that we have three kids. Twin girls and a boy. The girls have bluejay wings.”

…He doesn't follow.

“Theo’s wings were bluejay wings. His original ones, the ones that were taken from him. When I mentioned we have kids with bluejay wings– just, talking out loud, wondering who the surrogate is–”

Ah. “That's how he realized.” “Mhm. I– I didn't want to keep it a secret, I just…didn't want to ruin the date. I promise I was going to tell you tomorrow at the latest.”

Surprisingly, Aster seems genuinely concerned…and utterly sincere.

Is he really that worried about ruining the day?

He laughs softly, despite himself. He really can't bring himself to be mad at him over this.

“You did still break the agreement,” he notes.

Aster deflates. “I just– couldn't lie to his face when he already figured it out.”

He hums, “I'll have to punish you.”

Heaving a sigh, Aster shoves a hand through his hair. Tone defeated, he admits, “I– I deserve that.”

Daz tilts his chin up with two fingers. He tells his boyfriend, “We'll go on a date to a nice restaurant. You'll wear something fancy– really dress up for it. That means that one of the first things I make for you will be a suit. I expect you to wear it more than once, hmm?”

As Aster’s eyes go wide, Daz leans in and purrs, “The Christmas gala. You'll be wearing it there, too. I bet you clean up nicely– nice enough that it makes me the envy of the rest of the server.”

Swallowing hard, Aster stammers, “I– they'll be too busy being jealous of me. I mean…you're you. It’s– they probably already…”

Adorably, Aster’s face has turned red.

His boyfriend abruptly shoots his arm out, catching a pillow that was heading right towards them.

As Aster looks at the object in confusion, Raine huffs, “Get a room! I'm right here, and this is weird! Stop– being gross, and flirting like that right in front of me! Sure, I think you two should bang–” Daz chokes on nothing, and Aster turns tomato red, “--but I don’t need to be subjected to this nonsense in my own damn home!”

“I– you think we should–?”

Raine stares at Aster, then pointedly gestures to Daz. “He might chill the fuck out. Maybe.”

Affronted, Daz protests, “My problems are not that easy to fix!” “Says the guy who didn't bother to use the direct line to a god to ask if he’s actually cursed. And who has quite noticeably calmed down after allowing himself to admit he's gotten attached. Oh, and who now actually sleeps.”

Uhg. He hates that those are valid points.

Still, though. “Aster would probably explode if we did that anytime soon. If I don't take it slow, he might have a heart attack.”

I refuse to be stuck in here during that. Make sure I'm free first or you'll regret it.

“Innit is voicing objections as well. Technically, its making threats, but that’s besides the point. Doing anything before giving it a body would be unethical.”

Raine stares at him. Daz stares back.

Slowly, his best friend says, “I'm not going to engage with this further. It's pointless.” “Of course it is.”

He turns to Aster, who seems shell shocked. “C'mon, let's go to your place and finish our date.”

Instead of thinking about how he keeps seeing visions of what they’ll look like at some point– candy-sweet domestic bliss, the three of them obviously in love and enjoying every moment of it– he grumbles, “So sue me for being distracted.”

Theo shifts, his wings flicking anxiously. “...Trouble in fuckin’ paradise already?”

“What? No, we’re going on a date tonight. Everything is fine with us.”

Why the fuck would Theo assume things were bad with Daz?

He reminds his friend, “He didn’t see me cheating on him with you.” “You’re both being real fuckin’ cagey about it, so…I dunno, I feel like you’re both lying.”

Aster winces. “I mean…Daz is, uh. Needing…some time. To admit it. ‘Cause it’s– kind of a lot.”

“That’s so fuckin’ sus,” Theo groans, plopping onto the bench next to him. “The fuck does he have to be concerned about?”

More than Theo can ever fathom. “...Future might have changed,” he says, knowing Daz might get mad at him for admitting even that much.

Theo looks concerned. “D’you two not get–” “No, we– we do. It’s…” he chews on his lip.

This is such a dangerous path. The fuck can he even do to appease Daz, assuming he missteps?

“We’re– we still get married,” he finally settles on.

His friend’s head cocks to the side. “Then why the fuckin’ weirdchamp shit?”

It seems like Theo listens to the Fates, because he frowns. “Kid you two have still exists, right? I was kinda interested in being an uncle.”

Aster blinks, and he’s in another vision.

He boggles at the sight of not one, but three kids flinging themselves at future-Theo.

Two girls, one younger boy. The girls both have gorgeous bluejay-like wings, though the boy doesn’t.

Future-Theo scoops all three into his arms, beaming at them. “Kids!” “Dad, dad! Doctor Aryll said my wings are gonna come in soon!”

Visibly thrilled, Future-Theo asks, “Yeah? You ready to go flying with your old man, uncles, n’ grandpa?” “Yep! Grandpa keeps saying he can teach me if you don’t wanna, though.”

“Dad can fuck off, you’re my kids. I’m gonna teach you all myself,” Future-Theo grumbles.

Future-Daz teases, “You sulk every time he brings it up.” “He had his fuckin’ turn, n’ again– my kids,” Future-Theo complains.

The future version of Aster snorts, “And here we were, thinking you’d be less overprotective.” “Shut. Now, Boreas, did Aryll say about how much longer it’d be?”

And that’s all that Aster gets.

He stares into space, and then says, “Three?!”

“Huh?” “Three kids, with wings! Who the fuck even– I don’t even know anyone with bluejay wings, let alone a woman,” Aster groans, raking a hand through his hair.

Theo freezes. “You two have kids with fuckin’ bluejay wings?” “Apparently!” “That’s…”

His friend’s brow furrows. It’s like he’s trying to put the pieces together.

“...Aster, if I fuckin’ guess what you saw, you’d tell me if I’m right– right?”

…Fuck. If he guesses directly, it’d be kind of a dick move to say no.

He grimaces. “Uh…maybe. It– yeah. If it’s…close enough. Daz just– needs some time, so–”

Theo grabs his shoulders, making him jolt in surprise.

Hands gripping him tightly, Theo demands, “You two keep fuckin’ seeing me with you, don’t you? N’ that’s why you’re both being so fuckin’ weird about it.”

Damnit.

He averts his gaze. “Please don’t say anything to Daz. He’s– uh, he’s actually deeply insecure. I had to strongarm him into telling you after a week, so…”

A noise of distress escapes Theo, whose head thunks onto his shoulder.

Aster frowns. “Theo?”

“...Three kids, huh?” “...Yeah. I– it looks like you’re really happy to be their dad.” “Never fuckin’ pictured myself in a…marriage? We get married?”

“Seems like it. We all have earcuffs that look like wedding jewelry.” “Bet Dad’d love being a grandpa.”

Awkwardly, Aster pats his back. “He apparently kept offering-slash-threatening to teach them how to fly–” “Absolutely fuckin’ not, I’d teach my kids myself,” Theo snaps, sounding affronted.

“Which you got mad about.”

A grumble escapes Theo, who seems sullen.

After a moment, his best friend asks, “So…what if I’m– not really fuckin’...sure about that?” “As in?”

Theo pulls back, seeming uncharacteristically serious. “I dunno that I really want to get into a– relationship. Feels…weird. N’ with both of you…”

Aster resists the pang of hurt he feels. It’s not even like he seriously considered it before, so it doesn’t shock him that Theo is hesitant.

He shrugs. “I mean– things changed once, right? So…enough time and big enough ripples, they’ll probably change again.”

“N’ if you see something where you’re not with Daz?”

That feels impossible. “Then I’ll fight against that future. I’m pretty set on being with him now. Even if the details change, I want to be at his side. He’s complicated and deeply traumatized, but…I think I like the futures I’ve seen with him. I think I like seeing him so happy to be with me, too.”

With a snort, he adds, “And, uh, I’m kinda hooked on his cooking? It’s– it’s really nice, actually. I’m not really used to food being so…thought about. Or sharing it like that with someone else. He keeps threatening to make clothes for me, too, which is sweet.”

In this new future, Daz has a carved bangle that’s clearly from Aster. Given the disparity between the two timelines, maybe it’d be better to just…make something similar but different.

Enough to prove he’s not being lazy about it, and whatnot.

Daz would probably cry if he gave him something like that. The insecurity would ease, because he’d be proving that he’s not discarding Daz for Theo.

Assuming it ever happens, Aster would accept nothing less than all three of them being on equal footing in the relationship.

“He’s a good guy, though. Even if you decide not to be with us like that…he’d still end up basically your brother in law. You might as well get to know him better.”

Theo sighs deeply. “It’s…yeah, I fuckin’ guess. Just– weird. Didn’t think any of us would ever…”

A flash of annoyance shoots through Aster. “Apparently, people keep asking him out.”

“...Daz?”

Aster rolls his eyes. “According to him, he turns people down all the time. Something about being the primary support for refugees?”

Theo grimaces. “Ah…yeah, the hero worship shit. When you put it like that…yeah, I fuckin’ know what that's like. Kinda annoying, actually? N’ I guess he did mention he has to fuckin'-- turn people down a lot…”

Uhg, right. “True, you have a lot of experiences with people asking you out.” “Lots've ‘em in life-or-death situations, too! Weird as shit.”

His friend squints. “Wait, didn't you say he's stupid fuckin’ rich?” “I didn't know it was possible for anyone to have as much money as he does.” “N’ he's a good cook.” “Better than your dad, and I don't say that lightly.” “N’ powerful as fuck in a bunch've ways.”

…Goddamnit, he's starting to see Theo's angle. “Fuck, he's actually a crazy good catch. I mean, I knew he was– really great, but not everyone has seen what I have. So I just– I guess, subconsciously, I assumed nobody else has thought about it…?”

Theo snorts, but his amusement quickly turns serious. “Aster…man, you know you can't walk away, right? If you choose him, I mean. If Daz is so fuckin’ fragile he tried to kill himself over what you were seeing…? I don't wanna fuckin’ know how hard he'd snap if you left.”

Theo sounds genuinely concerned.

As much as Aster knows he's right to make sure the stakes are clear…it stings to think that Theo would assume he would abandon Daz.

“We're both loyal to the death. I've seen a softer side to him lately– a side I want to keep seeing. I'm not planning on leaving. I– I've seen what abandonment does to admins. To him.”

A cold sweat runs down his spine at the thought of how Daz tore himself in half to be good enough for his own family.

If Aster broke his heart, the best case scenario would be if Daz became his mortal enemy.

Worst case scenario…Daz would seek the ultimate refuge.

Even if that wasn't the case, he would shatter everything about himself to become whoever, whatever, Aster wanted.

Because Daz is lonely. Even in a sea of people, he feels isolated. He doesn't think the real him is worthy of love or kindness.

At the same time, he’s desperate for affection. He's starved himself of touch out of a misplaced fear it would hurt others.

Strangling his soul in exchange for love would be easy. He would pour himself into a mould so lovely that Aster would be smitten– lie until even Daz himself believed it.

He shudders. Even if he would never want that, Daz might think he needs to do it to earn love.

Theo’s hand grips his shoulder. “Aster? You okay, man?”

“Daz could break so easily. It scares me. I want him to be happy. I– I want us to be happy. I want…I'm kind of warming up to the idea of eventually being a dad.”

He sees himself, gently swaying and cradling young, fussy kid in his arms. “Shh, shh. It's just a nightmare, Hemera.”

“But, but, woke up, n’, everyone was, was gone–!”

A kiss is pressed to a mop of golden curls. “Aurora was just in the bathroom, and you know that Mama, Daddy and I are always right down the hall. Plus, all your uncles, your grandpa, Lucid, even San…there’s a whole server out there. The whole world would end before you'd be alone, sweetheart. And we love you too much to let that happen, hmm? We love you too much to leave you all alone.”

Future-Daz, who was watching from the doorway with the other little girl dozing in his arms, melts at how much he likes seeing future-Aster comforting their daughter.

Aster blinks a few times. “Aurora, Hemera, Boreas.” “Huh?” “The kids. I think Aurora and Hemera might be twins…? Boreas is younger.”

Theo’s head cocks to the side. “Dawn, day, n’ the north wind? Interesting fuckin’ choices for gods.”

“Dawn makes sense; gold, stars faintly there, and the sky. It's the three of us combined. Not sure about the others…?”

Oh, wait. Aster points out, “North wind.” “Ah, yeah. N’ it's also the winter wind.”

“What a cruel father, to set our poor son up for snowflake jokes for the rest of his like,” Aster teases. “Or maybe you like being called that, huh?”

“Shut the fuck up,” Theo grumbles, visibly sulking.

If he really thinks about it…Aster can see how they'd work together as a trio.

He and Theo are already close– best friends, and as many people say, cut from the same cloth.

Aster knows Theo pretty damn well. He knows that Daz, the real Daz, would fascinate him.

If it were just Theo and Aster, very little would change in their dynamic.

But with Daz in the mix, he'd strongarm both of them into shutting up. The ruthless, clever man Aster is increasingly seeing the charms of would coax and threaten them as needed, until they did whatever he wanted.

He sees just a flash of all three of them cuddled up in what looks like Daz’s bed.

Both he and Theo are messing with that fluffy blond hair, Daz completely conked out between them…and Theo’s wing draped over top of them.

Huh. Yeah, once Daz gets past the stage of jealousy, he'd probably be very interested in having a second fanatically loyal husband.

God knows Daz melts into physical affection from those he trusts, and Theo is used to giving affection to loved ones pretty freely.

There's a sigh from Theo. “Eh. No fuckin’ point stressing about the names. Bigger fish to fry– I have questions why the fuck I'm the bio dad!”

Aster frowns. “Why would you think that?”

Theo stares at him. “The fuck d'you think made me figure it out? My original fuckin’ wings were bluejay ones! I have Dad's wings now, but those aren't genetic!”

That's…not right.

“That doesn't make sense.” “There’s no reason to fuckin’ lie about–” “No, I mean– that makes sense. I don’t think you're lying. But the kids seem like admins. Eyes are all really vibrant– which I'm pretty sure is a sign of that.”

He's pretty confident they're admins, but it's such a weird thing to pair with the wings.

…Wait.

“Daz is an admin.” “...Yeah, kinda a big fuckin’ deal.” “Admins can do impossible shit.”

Theo’s brow furrows, and then his eyes go wide. “Wait. Are you fuckin’ assuming–” “He's exactly stubborn enough to find a way to– to let you both be the bio parents.”

It actually makes a lot of sense in that context; neither Lucid nor Lee would stop Daz from doing…whatever process that would entail.

Huh. It's…sort of weird, sure, but knowing Daz…it's shockingly plausible.

It makes the most sense for it to be the two of them, anyway. As far as Aster is aware, he's just a normal human.

Both of his eventual partners would get so much more out of being the biological parents than Aster would; not just because of what they are, but who they are.

He does think he wants kids, sure. 

But the kids having his genes is– would it be nice? Probably, sure!

Daz, however, deserves to raise kids who are admins. Theo would be thrilled to raise kids who could eventually fly.

He's stared at. “That's fuckin’ crazy.” “I'm actually fairly sure he could do it.” “Lot've faith in him.”

Aster snorts. “I got a peek in his head when he coded something on the fly. It's…hard to think he's not smart enough for it after that.”

A long, tired sigh comes from Theo. His friend stretches his legs out one way and his wings another.

Weird to think that he may raise kids with wings.

In a good way, obviously. In a way that, despite how unfamiliar it is, he feels a sense of bittersweet yearning for.

…His arms feel a little empty. Like something that's meant to be there isn't.

He's pretty sure he knows what that thing is.

Shaking his head a bit, he says, “I think you'd like Daz, the real Daz, if you gave him a chance. No matter if you end up with us or not, I plan to stay with him. You should get to know him.”

Theo groans, scrubbing a hand over his hair. “Feels fuckin’ weird!” “I'm not saying you have to fall in love. But…”

Aster shrugs. “He's going to be an even bigger part of my life. Kinda weird for you to keep my partner at arm's length, y'know?”

He knocks their shoulders together. “You’re my best friend. I wouldn’t tell you to make nice with someone you'd hate.”

“It’s– it's just real fuckin’ weirdchamp, man! I'm not real used to you two being…together.” “Neither am I, honestly. But it's…”

He smiles to himself, thinking about the candy-sweet life he's gotten glimpses of. He wouldn't have considered being with anyone, especially not Daz…

But, gods, he’s already a little charmed by him. Stubborn, clever, mercurial, damaged Daz; someone just as fiercely and fanatically loyal as Aster, someone who has suffered in silence out of a misplaced sense of guilt.

Aster finds himself wanting to shore up the walls of Daz’s heart and mind. Not to close people out, but rather to be stable enough to let people in.

Even now, he sort of wants to go bother Daz at work. Surely there's something he can do to help out, right…? Some little task he can do to ease what he's pretty sure is a Sisyphean work load.

He's heard Raine, Aleph, and Khons all complain about how much there is to do, so he's reasonably sure there's more than his wildest estimates.

…Actually, he’s pretty sure he’s only heard Daz complain about people doing things he doesn't like.

If Daz has complained about his job otherwise, it wasn't to Aster.

However, Daz has admitted that he was overworking himself well past the point of exhaustion to try and sleep, so that doesn't mean much.

He knows Daz, or at least his work ethic. For a long time, that was one of the only things that Aster could bring himself to praise.

Hmm. Maybe…he should plan to go in at some point.

There's a shove against his side. When he looks over, Theo has bumped him with his wing.

Rolling his eyes, his best friend says, “You look like all fuckin’ lovesick.” “I'm shocked you can put a name to that.” “Oi, fuck off! I was just sayin'--”

There's a long sigh, Theo rubbing the back of his neck. “You have your date later, right? Orph has talked about the fuckin’ Welcome Wagon hours enough that I'm pretty fuckin’ sure he'll be off soon. You should go…I dunno, do you even have nice clothes…?”

There's a brief vision of himself trying something on in Daz’s sewing room.

“I think I will be, soon,” he says, feeling a little excited about that fact.

Maybe he should figure out what exactly a claim looks like to Daz.

If Aster is in it for the long haul– and he is– then it's only right to declare those intentions in the right way.

He nudges Theo back, grinning widely. “Thanks, Theo.”

“For…?”

“Being my best friend. And, uh, being chill with…everything. I'm going to make sure that he never feels trapped again. Even if you decide not to join us, I hope you'll be proud of my efforts to make him happy.”

There's an unreadable expression on Theo’s face, before it shifts into a smile. Slinging an arm and a wing over his shoulders, Theo tells him, “You'd better. I'm gonna be real fuckin’ pissed if shit goes south n’ you're both miserable. But for– joining you two…”

The warrior makes a face. “I dunno. Maybe, eventually…? But you said he's real fuckin’ insecure, n’ it'd be– real, real fuckin’ weirdchamp to do that right now. Need to sort my own fuckin’ thoughts out, n’ whatnot. Even if I did wanna do that, it's kinda…fast. I'd rather give it some fuckin’ time, let you two figure out if you want it.”

Why wouldn't they? If it's the current future, then of course they'd accept him.

Theo sighs. “Future clearly isn't set in stone. Just ‘cause you see it doesn’t mean it has to fuckin’ pass. We've got…agency n’ shit, yeah? So…maybe one or more've us isn't okay with that. I dunno, maybe I decide I wanna be monogamous or never be with fuckin’ anyone at all. Maybe Daz isn't comfortable sharing you– maybe the reality of us being together isn't any good for you, either.”

…Huh. Theo has already given it a lot of thought, hasn't he?

Well, he can’t really say that any of that is wrong. He knows he wants to be with Daz, but beyond that…he's willing to keep an open mind, if nothing else.

“You’re right. I might’ve jumped the gun a little. I'll have to tell Daz I admitted what happened, but…maybe after the date. So, uh…if you get a sudden demand to meet, that'd be why.”

Daz is going to be furious, but Aster didn't see a point in lying to Theo when he guessed correctly and would be hearing about it soon anyway.

And Daz feeling insecure doesn't have to be a big problem now, right? Aster is going to do his best at all that sappy, romantic shit.

Innit titters, You seemed pretty damn happy about it.

That’s not the point! He might be happy eventually– Like you eventually came around to getting together with Aster? –but he doesn’t need to suddenly grapple with also figuring out being with Theo!

Especially not when things are still so new with Aster.

He hears the sound of someone coming up the ladder, and wheels to see–

Ah. Of course he shows up now.

His– boyfriend, that still feels weird to think of him as– looks at him with concern. “You okay? Theo said you stormed off. He, uh…said he’s not a homewrecker, so I’m kind of worried about what the fuck happened.”

Daz takes a deep breath, only for Aster’s jaw to drop. “Oh, what the fuck,” he says, baffled.

Annoyed, Daz mutters, “You saw it too, huh?” “A poly thing with Theo?!” “I think the timeline got twisted.” Very twisted. “So what we knew is…”

His heart aches a little at the idea that the adorable kid he saw isn’t…actually going to ever be his.

Aster looks so confused that it's almost funny. “But he’s aro/ace!” “Evidently not.” Wild thing to state with such certainty when you two get married.

That's a valid point, for once. “We thought that about us too, remember?” “Okay, but Theo was pretty damn sure. Unlike us, he’s actually been tested.”

Daz stares at him. Does he seriously not know…?

Doesn't seem like it, no.

Uhg, great. Now he has to explain this to his boyfriend.

“I got ‘tested’ on a regular basis. Shockingly, when you’re the primary support for people escaping a nightmare, they tend to want to try and keep you around. Being kind, clever, an amazing cook, well connected, and more also led to me turning down countless people,” Daz sighs.

Rolling his eyes, he adds, “You definitely got hit on a ton and just never noticed. I saw it happen on multiple occasions. Honestly, kinda funny you were that clueless.”

Aster makes a face, at least as much as he can. “Bullshit. For you, I can see it. But me?”

“You’re aware that you’re idolized, right? Like, even outside of the Swords and Shields. You’re living proof that anyone can rise from the dirt and become incredible. You also help others gain power. No fuckin’ shit people want you.”

…Huh, he actually feels disgruntled about it now that he’s putting it into words.

Are you seriously jealous of people he didn't even realize were flirting with him?

Shut up, he’s not jealous and that's not even the point.

He huffs, “We're getting sidetracked. I say we ignore what we saw and pretend it didn't happen.”

Aster gives him a look. “You know why we can't do that.” “First of all, you underestimate me. Second of all, the timeline seems malleable! If I don't engage then I don't have to worry about it. Third of all, even if we do tell him, we don't have to do it immediately. Isn’t it better to settle into you and me before throwing Theo into the mix?”

“Counterpoint,” Aster says, “We tell him within three days, because I can't stand to keep a secret like that from him. I already kept several bombshells from him on your behalf, Daz. I need to confess this particular one for my own peace of mind.”

He has a point. “You just want to see a trainwreck.” Can't both be true?

He doesn't have the patience for this. “Are you seriously prioritizing drama over finishing your body?”

Uhg…it can't take that long, can it? “There will be so many questions. His family will get involved. The timing is shit, because he's dealing with some pretty big emotional hurdles. Dumping this on him won't help.”

There’s an annoyed groan. For all you know, this is one of his hurdles! Maybe he’s got secret gay thoughts, asshole! Like, you might not have been paying attention to him lately, but I saw the look on his face when he saw you two flirting!

…What.

Dude was jealous. Timeline probably changed because ‘cause he got some harsh truths and is on a trajectory of confessing he’s madly in love. With Aster, obviously, and you’re the sidepiece.

He bristles at the idea.

Even if it had seemed like future-Theo was very much into him too, the thought of being sidelined in his own relationship makes him want to get violent.

“Daz?”

The sound of his name, alongside Aster putting a hand on his arm, makes him feel guilty about doubting his sincerity.

Just admit you’re anxious about it and don’t want to share him. 

He burrows into his partner’s arms, mumbling into his shoulder, “It makes me feel nervous. I don’t know him like I know you. Can’t we settle into this before making things more complicated…?”

“Theo is–” “Your best friend.”

Clinging to him, he reluctantly adds, “Can’t– am I not allowed to be jealous of the idea of that?”

There’s a long beat, and then Aster groans. “It’s not fair, Daz.”

He tenses, but his boyfriend continues, “How am I supposed to argue when you’re being vulnerable and cute?”

A noise of protest escapes him. “I am not cute!”

Aster wraps his arms around him, teasing, “I bet you’re blushing at being called cute.” “Shut up.” “I can’t actually say I hate you being possessive, though.”

…Wait, what?

“But being possessive is bad.” “Isn’t that a fundamental part of an admin’s psyche? To want to hoard and protect?” “But it’s weird to non-admins.” “I’m weird to everyone, Daz,” Aster reminds him.

He doesn’t actually believe that, or at least not in a negative sense.

Shh, don’t burst his bubble on how idolized he is. It’s kinda funny to see him think nobody would make a pass at him.

As he rolls his eyes at the peanut gallery, Aster sighs, “I really don’t think it’s a good idea to put it off for long, though. You know the Observers will rat us out eventually.”

Uhg; he fucking hates those bastards sometimes. “They would, wouldn’t they?” “Mm-hmm. So, if I give you a week, do you think that’s enough time to settle your feelings and steel your nerves? ‘Cause even if we tell Theo, we don’t have to do anything. He’d understand wanting to give you time to figure out how you feel.”

It’s deeply unfair that he’s providing such a reasonable solution. “...Promise?”

His voice sounds smaller than he meant it to be.

Aster cards a hand through his hair. “I swear on whatever kids we end up having.”

Oh, shit, that’s a good point. No way in hell Theo wouldn’t want a platoon. Takes after his dad too much.

“Since when do you have opinions on Theo?” Since this involves shit I can’t really tune out. Also, super easy to clock that he’d want to be a dad. Just ask your boyfriend.

Daz sighs, knowing he’ll regret asking. “Innit is sure that Theo will want a swarm of kids.” “Yeah, uh, if kids are on the table? His opinion will probably be ‘we should outdo my dad, because it’d be funny’. He’s been quasi-parent to Lee and arguably his other siblings for basically his entire life. Being Uncle Theo would have been everything to him. Being Dad would make him the happiest guy on the server.”

…Huh. Interesting.

“Well…I guess he can lose his mind about it when we tell him in a week,” Daz shrugs, pulling back and taking both of Aster’s hands in his.

His partner smiles softly, seeming endeared by that. “Thank you for agreeing.” “Don’t thank me yet, I’m making demands,” Daz huffs at him.

“Oh?” “Mm-hmm. I demand you take me on at least two dates. I won’t make you pay for it, so go crazy. Even if you find the fanciest restaurant on the server, it literally won’t make a dent in my bank account.”

Aster stares at him. “...Seriously?” “It doesn’t have to be that, but like– it’d be nice, yeah? I’m sure you have something halfway decent to wear.”

Does he, though?

…Actually, he might not.

Hmm. Project for himself, then; some decent, dressier clothes for Aster to wear.

A dismayed look enters Aster’s eyes. “Please don’t make me dress up. I hate how those clothes feel.” “You’re the one choosing the places we go to,” Daz reminds him.

He’s already making plans, because that sounds like a challenge.

“It’s not like it has to be fancy. Just…something we do together, yeah? We haven’t exactly gone on a date yet. I can plan the next ones, so just…do something that sounds enjoyable.”

There’s a long moment of consideration. “...For you, or for me?” “Both. It’s not going to be fun for me if you’re miserable, yeah? Not the point of a date.”

Despite how doubtful Aster seems, he sighs. “Okay…okay. I think– I mean, it’s going to be…a struggle. But I can try, at least.” “If it ends up being terrible, we can laugh about it later.”

That draws a soft smile out of Aster again. “So you won’t be mad if I pick a terrible place?” “Not if it’s an accident and you’re appropriately embarrassed by it.” “Given you don’t seem to know what shame is, I’m not sure I want to know what you mean by that.”

His eyebrows raise. Aster immediately looks chagrined. “Sorry, that was mean.”

Daz beams at him, putting his arms over his shoulders. “There we go! That’s the amount of shame I’m looking for. Now, don’t be afraid to do something lowkey for our dates, hmm? It doesn’t need to be fancy. I just want to have a nice time with my boyfriend.”

Aster snorts. “You sure you don’t want to plan it?” “Learned helplessness is a real phenomenon, and I’m trying not to encourage it.”

There’s a sullen expression. “I’m not going to foist everything off onto you, I just– I know it won’t be as…good.”

He laughs a little. “It’ll be fine, Aster. I’m not looking for perfection. The world won’t end if it ends up bad. As long as you make a sincere effort, I’ll be happy.”

It’s not even a lie. He just…wants proof that Aster isn’t bored of him before anything even happens.

If they’re going to have a life together, especially one with Theo, he wants a solid foundation. He wants that candy-sweet future that was shown to him. He wants…

Fuck, he wants to be loved.

Deeply, intensely, fanatically loved. Loved so much that it makes him breathless with awe; loved so much that the jagged edges of his heart are sewn back together.

He’s already an outsider for so much, isn’t he? Even among other admins, he’s different– he’s worse. His trauma and misery has made him sharp, ugly, and cruel. It’s honed his mind into a wicked weapon against even the barest hint of harm.

Aster, despite his rough exterior, has a big heart. He can’t help but try to be a hero.

Daz knows good and goddamned well that he’s a villain. Even when he’s doing good, he’ll only ever rise to being an antihero.

Theo, similarly to Aster, is a hero. He’s a bloodier one, according to some stories, but…still a hero.

Maybe Aster wanting something– someone– more his equal was always inevitable. Maybe the future they were seeing was a one-in-a-million; the only timeline in which they’re truly happy together.

But the future has changed. The old one probably won't ever come to pass.

He's used to choking on disappointment, though.

Even if he can’t have the ultimate ideal, he’ll settle for not being obviously sidelined.

As pathetic as it would be to accept being second, as long as he’s not neglected…

Well. He’s known the soul-deep agony of rejection and loneliness for longer than he hasn’t.

Maybe the past rhymes. Maybe he’s damned to brush his fingers against the sun but never grasp it– cursed to taste the sweet ambrosia of love for just a few moments before he plunges back down to the unforgiving ground.

It would make sense. He doesn't need to have a literal curse, not when a god hates him.

You're catastrophizing, Innit tuts. He’s not that kind of person.

Hah. Its bias is showing.

Whatever. He should focus on soaking up this brief period of love before it all goes wrong.

On one hand, he feels stupid for ever pleading for the mercy of who he has known as Time, because they obviously don't care about such minor slights.

He's spent a lot of time seething with directionless, righteous fury every time his Dad is forced to relive new versions of his living hell, after all.

It's not like he hasn’t blasphemed in his own head.

There's no way a divine author wouldn't know about that. They probably thought his attempts to appease them were funny.

Yet, even still, the idea of so much as breathing his resentment out loud chills him to the bone.

And then there’s the second secret.

In theory, it's so much smaller. Maybe a surprise, sure, but plenty of people would be relieved to know their future wasn't set in stone.

He's not even sure that Aster would care. Maybe be a little upset for various reasons, but he'd take it in stride.

Daz, however…

The real Daz is alien to him in many ways. Theo only really knows what Aster has told him or that he's witnessed firsthand.

That combination, though, paints the picture of someone exactly fucked up enough to use himself as a weapon against someone who he feels wronged him.

Mostly because he’s already tried to do that at least twice.

Theo doesn't have faith that he won't feel betrayed by the future he was seeing being someone else's future.

It's impossible that it'll stay a secret forever. For all that Theo sees the ugly side of Daz now, he can’t deny that he's smart.

Shit, he was teaching Lee right under their noses for a while! Theo's own baby brother has, despite repeated claims of Daz being an asshole, also admitted he thinks the guy's kinda a genius.

And despite the real Daz's prickly nature, Lee wants to exchange duo items.

Claims, Daz apparently calls them. The signifier of being beloved and backed by an admin.

For that reason alone, Theo can't let Daz do something stupid.

Beyond that…

No matter what else he thinks about him, Theo can confidently say that Daz’s work is vital to Sanctuary functioning.

The Welcome Wagon, mostly. But, assuming nobody has exaggerated the extent of Daz’s secret efforts– assuming the glimpses Theo has seen are only the tip of the iceberg…?

Sanctuary might be crippled without him.

Maybe that wouldn't have always been the case. Maybe things could have turned out differently.

But now, Daz has rooted himself so deeply into the heart of the server– metaphorically, at least– that it’s almost impossible to remove him by force.

Theo has no fucking clue what would happen if Daz killed himself.

There's a good chance that they'd never recover– that Daz would be angry and cruel enough to set off a nuke in the aftermath.

He jumps about a foot in the air when he hears a sudden, “Alright, you’re clearly having a rough time.”

Goddamnit. He forgot that Daz is still in the room.

The guy's arms are folded over his chest, looking vaguely concerned, but also potentially just annoyed he's still here.

Hard to tell which.

It's not like he's able to be sneakier about his distress, though, so he admits, “I have two earth-shattering fuckin’ secrets I'm not able to talk about. No fuckin’ shit I'm having a bad fuckin’ time!”

Daz folds his arms over his chest, clearly unimpressed. “Sounds like you're a pussy, then.”

What Hey what the fuck?! Kick his ass kick his ass kick his ass His face looks soooo punchable right now One good punch and he'd stop being a lil bitch–

Offended but definitely not willing to jump to that kind of violence just for that, he says, “Fuck right off. Just ‘cause you can handle secrets doesn’t mean you could fuckin’ handle these ones!”

There's a toothy grin. “I think you’re overthinking things. You can't exactly do anything about it, so stop being a little bitch and do what you do best.”

He gets to his feet and stands right in front of him. 

Daz is a few inches shorter than him and significantly slimmer, plus Theo has wings.

Despite looming over him with what he damn well knows to be an intimidating expression and body language, Daz seems entirely unphased.

“Yeah? The fuck do I do best, huh?” “Get your ass kicked by my boyfriend, obviously.”

Hold on a second What, why?? Oh my god is he pulling a Theo Holy shit you might be right ohhh fuck he's pulling a Theo I still think you should punch him tho yeah he doesn't have permission to use that against us!!

…Goddamnit.

Daz doing exactly what Theo does to his Dad and brothers when they're lost in their own heads is deeply unfair.

More than that, he feels like it might be a power play– proof that Daz has been observing him and knows how he thinks.

He's suddenly struck with the realization that, for better or for worse, Daz is the best candidate to try to force the secret out to.

After all, if he’s really as smart as he's claimed to be…he might be able to do something.

“I need to tell you–”

The first sign that he fucked up is that the words burn as they come out.

The second sign is that Theo is no longer himself.

The body he’s in– the mind he’s in– claws at itself and screams as a Tubbo comes closer.

“Bossman, I got your com!”

Words continue as the person hugs the Tubbo with one arm. There’s a faint tremble as the body withdraws a sword, the mind howling in a way that Theo will have nightmares over. “Sorry, sorry, I didn’t think about– that you might be upset over– over everything. I told them I quit. I’m leaving the coun–”

The sword is pierced through the heart at an angle that Theo abruptly recognizes.

Oh, gods.

He’s in Daz’s head at the moment he killed his Tubbo.

The awareness of why Aster is so worried about him becomes crystal clear as Daz shatters.

Every detail is crystal clear. Daz and what must be Innit die and wither in the moments it takes for Tubbo to breathe out a confused, “--Try?”

Is this what it feels like when an admin loses someone they’ve claimed?

It’s like going insane; even though they’re not his own, the emotions are so visceral and violent that Theo gets swept up in them. 

Abruptly, he realizes he’s back in his body. He collapsed on the floor at some point, his hands tangled in his own hair and dry heaving.

His wings are curled protectively around himself, trying to block out the grief and agony from a past not his own.

Daz has dragged him into a hug, rubbing his back and murmuring words that take a new moments to register.

“--Keep stealing blankets no matter how much we beg them not to, so I had to order another twenty. We go through even backups so fast that we probably account for a significant portion of the store’s sales. And it’s not even like I couldn’t track them down. I always know who takes them. I just don’t bother, because it gives them a sense of security despite the cost to my sanity–”

He manages to croak, “The– the fuck’re you on about…?”

Daz pulls back enough to grab his face with both hands. He answers, dead serious, “Panic attacks mean I bring up something to ramble about. You are far from the first person I’ve had to do this for. Welcome Wagon sees a shitload of breakdowns, so– I’m used to them. Not from you, granted, but I know how to ground someone.”

Theo stares at him. Daz stares back, visibly concerned. “What the fuck happened? You were trying to say something, and then you collapsed and started hyperventilating.”

A shudder goes down his spine. From how Daz acted at the meetings after he tried to commit sucide-by-Theo–

Shit. He’s gonna hate this.

“Price for fuckin’ up isn’t– s’ not physical pain,” Theo mumbles, unable to meet his eyes. “I– I saw…probably the worst fuckin’ moment of your life.”

Did you see his Tubbo die?! Yeah we didn’t see shit! This isn’t very pog of the Scribe Yeah if Theo has to suffer, we should all suffer! Wait a second, that’s not what I meant–

He ignores the chattering of the Fates as Daz’s expression shutters.

“Saw, or were in my head for it?” “Latter.”

Daz’s mouth forms a grim line. He searches Theo’s face. “Did you know, or even suspect–” “The fuck would I think pain’d mean the worst fuckin’ moments of someone else’s life?! You think– shit, I don’t wanna know your life! I have enough on my fuckin’ plate without dealing with your baggage too!”

The guy opens his mouth, and then it falls open.

“I– what?!”

A sputtering comes from Daz as he reels backwards so hard he falls on his back.

Staring at the ceiling, expression baffled, Daz snaps at nobody, “No, I will not– fuck that! It doesn’t make sense!”

Theo is so goddamned confused.

Daz growls, “It can’t change that much–”

“The fuck are you talking about? Is Innit up to something?”

He gets a middle finger. “I’m dealing with something here, shut up.” There’s a beat. “No, that doesn’t– no! I refuse!”

This is actually kinda entertaining oh oh oh can we guess what he saw?! I mean, probably something about Theo and Aster? Shit yeah he only sees in Aster’s head, right? Ooh do he and Theo have an affair or something?!

It’s Theo’s turn to be offended. “Absolutely fuckin’ not, I would not go after someone in a relationship! N’ I’m not– I’m ace! N’ aro! N’ I’m not gonna fuckin’ fool around with my best friend’s marriage, that’s fuckin’ crazy! Even moreso ‘cause I mean–”

He gestures at Daz, making a face he damn well knows the Fates can see. “He’s him!”

“Fuck off,” Daz snaps, leveraging himself upright and glaring at him. “I turn people down left and right, you are not too good for me!”

Theo stares at him. “That’s– not what I fuckin’ said?” “It’s what you implied!” “No?! I meant you’re ruthless n’ an admin, I’m not gonna– shit, even if I was that kinda person on any fuckin’ level, trying to steal your partner is fuckin’ suicidal.”

Daz stares back. “...You think I saw you having an affair,” he says, slowly.

“Is– I mean, the Fates thought–” “Oh, if I thought that would happen, I would shatter Aster’s sanity. What I saw was…”

Annoyance crosses the guy’s face for a moment. “Uhg. I’m not getting into it.” “It fuckin’ involves me, yeah? Shouldn’t I know?”

Daz rolls his eyes, getting to his feet. “You aren’t aro/ace. Not entirely.”

Before Theo can answer, Daz teleports himself away.

He stares at the wall for a long moment before screeching, “Wait, who the fuck did he see me with?!”

What timeline does he get together with someone, and more critically, who the hell would it be?!

He can’t fathom being with anyone, but if it was someone–

Wait.

It’s not cheating, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still the person the Fates first suspected.

…Do Daz and Aster…not get together in that timeline? Or, the worst case scenario– do they break up?

It would be crazy if he didn’t know that, one, they were never seeing this timeline. At least, not the ‘future’ parts of what Daz and Aster see.

And two, that this means that there are other timelines, and thus, it makes sense that they would eventually see those, too.

Daz being pissed at him because he thinks that he ends up stealing Aster makes sense, unfortunately. And he can’t exactly correct that assumption– not without paying a price.

Goddamnit. He flops against the ground, glaring at the ceiling and wishing he could just explain that, actually, Daz can chill the fuck out because the version of Theo in this reality isn’t gonna be a homewrecker.

The Showrunner had been harrowing for Daz and Aster– oh, and Innit– to meet.

He flicks the screen on, showing the visage of the god he's been doing the bidding of for years.

“I requested a meeting. I…wanted to make a deal.”

He takes a deep breath, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment.

When he opens them again, he confesses, “I asked for Dad's immortality to be revoked. He'll age n’ die like normal now. In return–”

His words falter a moment. He has to take another deep breath before he can say, “I was– I was given knowledge…n’ a fuckin’ geas. I can’t– the two things I learned, I can’t speak of ‘em. If I try directly, the words die. Indirectly…they said it'd cause me pain.”

Daz’s mouth twists further into a frown. “Can you be very vague about who they affect?”

Hah. Of course he's the one who wants to test it. “First one– affects everyone. N’ once other people figure it out…they can't fuckin’ talk about it, either. Not unless it's to others who know. Has to– everyone has to fuckin’ figure it out on their own.”

Aster’s eyes go wide. “Is it dangerous?”

A loaded question. “Not…directly. Could be, in certain circumstances. Definitely fuckin’ bad for our peace've mind, though.”

Vio's tail flicks in a sign of anxiety. “Is there anything we could do about it, if we knew?”

A shudder goes down his spine at the idea of anyone doing anything about it.

“No. S’ not for us to fuckin’ meddle with.”

The words sting as they come out in a warning that he's verging on triggering the punishment.

Quickly, he refocuses on the other part. “Second one is– uh, directly affects only a few fuckin' people. It…could have some– real fuckin’ far-reaching consequences, though. Uh, like– fallout wise.”

His gaze goes to Aster. What would happen if the bombshell snaps Daz in half?

His best friend is already in pretty damn deep. Aster has twined his fingers with Daz's, likely for support.

They think they'll have a kid together– a kid who they're getting attached to. 

What happens when they realize that kid won't ever be theirs?

…What if Daz spirals because he gets too deep into a relationship on false pretenses? What if he tries to kill himself again?

Would Aster be able to live with himself? Would Theo?

Fuck.

Daz's gaze is sharp. “Could the fallout endanger Sanctuary?”

Hah. If only he knew. “...Technically. It– those people're…”

The words feel worse and worse as he speaks, so he ends the sentence.

He looks away. “That one, though, s’ not under the geas. Others can talk about it once they know it. Once enough fuckin’ people know, I'll probably have that one lifted entirely.”

Aster squeezes Daz’s hand. It's hard to tell if he's giving or seeking support. “Which one is the bigger threat to Sanctuary?”

He has to think about how to answer. “...Second one. But neither– not fuckin’...immediately. The first one is– we really can't do shit about it. Real fuckin’ scary to think about, though. It rec–”

Theo winces from the harsh sting of that word. Too close, then.

He wants even one person who is aware of this truth. Someone to share this awful burden with– even if that's a selfish desire.

Cassandra and Echo. His words aren't that strictly limited, but he’s still on a pretty short leash.

All he can do is hope that someone will put the pieces together.

With another deep breath, he says, “When I get too fuckin’ close to indirectly saying it, the words– they hurt. S’ sharp n’ sting-y. I can’t…”

He feels his face screw up and his wings tuck in close. “If I decide to break it, I wanna be sure it's real fuckin’ deliberate.”

Day looks sad Of course he's sad, Theo is upset! I still wanna know what the secrets are I mean, we'll figure it out eventually If we work together it should be easy!

Theo huffs softly in amusement at them. The Fates always know how to cheer him up.

Then again, they've been with him for well over a decade. The Fates have been his eyes and the momentum behind his fighting– to the point where he doubts that Theseus Was-Taken, The Blue Death would exist without them.

For as much as they tease and poke at him, he knows they care.

Daz studies him for a long moment, then flicks his attention to the screen. “So, tell us about the Scribe. As far as I'm aware, nobody but the T3 have interacted with them at all.”

Vio corrects, “Jacobs and Styll were contacted to build the portal, then served as conduits to give us the marching orders. Otherwise, I think you're right.”

There's no doubt that Daz would like to ask more. He just recognizes that doing so is a dangerous game.

…If there's anyone who can figure out either secret, it'll be Daz.

Theo sighs softly, using the large console to show the strange location he had been in. “The Scribe's domain is an endless library in a white void. Real fuckin’ unsettling for a void to be white. Uh– saw lots've books, obviously.”

Aleph seems intrigued. “Did you read any?”

“Fuck no. I didn’t get permission n’ I was in the domain of a fuckin’ god among gods. I wasn’t gonna piss ‘em off by touching their work! More titles I saw, more fuckin’ obvious it was that I was being tested, too.”

He shudders at the thought of what might have happened if he was more ignorant.

Wings flicking anxiously, he continues, “The Scribe is named real fuckin’ fittingly. Arms spun around ‘em, writing in books that shrank n’ grew over n’ over. Editing on the fly, maybe. So…they probably wrote all those books themself. N’ their mask–”

He flicks back to the illustration of them. Raine is an excellent artist, having captured the imposing nature and subtle details of the god.

“It shifts. Subtly, usually, but when I asked for– for Dad's immortality to be taken…eye turned into a mouth.”

He goes to that slide, goosebumps rising at the sight. “They speak slow n’ deliberately. They like when people're clever. I can’t say for sure, n’ definitely can't speak for ‘em…but I got the fuckin’ impression that they don't feel real fuckin’ interested in stepping into shit here. At least, not for the moment.”

Chewing on his lip a moment, he adds, “If I had to guess? Scribe is busy with other shit. Showrunner is the one we'll interact with the most. Showrunner also seems like the one who deals with the Observers.”

His Dad leans forward, bracing his arms on his knees. “...Do you think the Scribe would help us, if we asked?”

“Not freely. Might make things worse, if the wrong person asks the wrong fuckin’ way. I don’t…trying to interact with ‘em is a real fuckin’ risky move. I don’t even wanna say how I got my audience. I don’t even fuckin’ know if I could get it to work again,” he answers.

With a grimace, he adds, “You know how fuckin’ little we get told when doing their bidding as it is. Just their fuckin’ laugh felt…wrong. Felt– eldritch. Things no fuckin’ mortal should ever know burned on my fuckin’ tongue. We don't wanna fuckin’ test ‘em. I amused ‘em, sure, but I don't think they're any fuckin’ kinder than the Showrunner.”

Daz leans just a little into Aster’s side, even as he pulls his hand away. Gaze sharp, arguably the smartest guy in the room asks, “Why did they laugh?”

“Like I said; I amused ‘em. I did something unexpected, bold, n’ clever. That has diminishing fuckin’ returns. Assuming they answer at all, repeated attempts to make deals may just piss ‘em off. N’ this–”

He scrubs a hand down his face. As much as he doesn’t like admitting this…

He confesses, “I was trying to find a way to become immortal. I didn’t wanna leave Dad alone with no fuckin’ end in sight. When I learned that Time was the Scribe…I saw a way to do the fuckin’ opposite. N’ it's not fuckin’ like I wanted to live forever. Not for its own sake, anyway.”

Aster is suddenly in his face, throwing a punch at his throat.

For once, Theo is caught off guard enough that he can’t defend against it.

His friend yells at him, “You goddamned idiot! Why do the people around me– stop trying to fall on swords for others!”

“Hey, I never tried to be a martyr,” Raine protests. “Some of us do our therapy right,” Khons agrees.

Annoyed, Daz says, “Stop being vague, everyone knows who you mean.”

Aster pinches the bridge of his nose. “Daz.” “Yes, dear?” “I–”

An odd look crosses Aster’s face. “Dear?”

Eyebrows raising, Daz answers, “We’re dating. Pet names are normal…I think.”

After a beat, Daz rolls his eyes. “It’s not like anyone here knows better, at least. I see more couples than anyone else.”

They're dating.

Aster and Daz have started dating, and that means–

Fuck. What happens if Daz goes supernova when the truth comes out?

If Aster has agreed to date, then he would be devastated if it happened now.

The longer it takes them to realize, the worse it could be.

“Worst possible way to phrase that,” Raine snarks, unaware of how Theo is scrambling for stable footing.

Daz shoots back, “I can think of worse ones!”

Hands press on his shoulders. 

His attention is pulled back to Aster, who seems concerned. “Theo?”

“I didn't realize you two started fuckin’ dating,” Theo answers. He shrugs, rubbing his throat despite barely feeling it. “Just– caught me off guard. Would've been fuckin’ nice to hear personally, Aster.”

With a wince, his friend apologizes, “It’s been less than a week. You've been kinda busy, so…”

Not like he can argue.

Daz’s eyes narrow. He drapes his arms over the back of the seat he’s sitting on, one leg resting on the opposite knee.

The pose is imperious, like this is Daz’s castle and he's a king about to pass judgment.

“I wasn’t aware you had an opinion on our love life. Also, you know we get married, so. This was inevitable.”

Immediately, Aster tells Daz, “If Raine, Khons, and Aleph found out just now, they'd be mad, too. Just like you got pissy that I didn't tell you about the earrings–” “Still not over that, by the way.” “--Theo can be upset his best and pretty much only friend didn't tell him about getting into a relationship.”

It takes him a moment to decipher what the fuck the two of them are talking about.

He holds his hands up defensively. There is no way in hell he's getting on Daz’s bad side. “I mean– yeah, just feels…I dunno, I just didn't realize things got that far! I'm not– gonna fuckin’ object to you dating or some shit.”

Mostly because there's no way to do that without explaining why.

Daz huffs, even as Raine pats his arm. “At least Aster is learning to communicate with most people.” “I was the one who told all of you.” “A trait that will either rub off on him or you'll train him into.”

Naturally, Aster is offended by that. “I have great communication skills! Also, the fuck am I, a dog?”

Cheerfully, Daz answers, “You can give orders, dear, that’s not the same thing. Also, everyone is trainable. You’re not special.”

Aster inhales, and then looks baffled. “He made you pay when you swore? That's why you don't do it as much?!”

Theo squints. “...Daz had a fuckin’ swear jar?”

“It was to teach me self control, because he was unaware how short of a leash I put myself on by following his own stupid fuckin’ ethos.”

Aster’s brow furrows. “Didn't you break a ton of his rules?” “I followed the spirit of leveling the playing field. Not my fault he thought I wouldn't spy on everyone, him included.”

Concerned, Day straightens up. “Spy how–”

Daz rolls his eyes. “Nothing that can't be done easier with tech here. Not that I bothered, because I literally don't have enough time to utilize that properly. I'm not saying more, for hopefully obvious reasons.”

Despite nobody looking at him, Lucid makes a face. “I'm not dumb enough to take away something that makes you feel safe. I like my bones on the inside, thanks.”

“You’re surely not implying that I need Aster to fight my battles for me,” Daz warns.

“My mind being broken too is kind of a given. It's a two for one deal.”

Tone flat, Vio tells them, “I have to stitch him up after anything you do. Don't give me more work.”

Aster points out, “We've eliminated countless fires before there was any smoke. Even if Lucid fucks around, finding out a thousand times won't budge the scales.”

“What’s this we? I had to bully you into doing the barbecues. You hate socializing,” Daz complains.

When Aster gives his…boyfriend? A long look, Daz rolls his eyes. “It’s a valid point!” “You still need to stop picking fights.”

“Children, can we focus,” Day complains, snapping his fingers a few times.

He’s given a death glare by both Aster and Daz, neither of whom Theo would really want to talk to like that.

As much as he loves his dad, and as much as Aster is his friend, the idea of snipping at him feels wrong.

Then again, maybe he’s just on edge because of the dual bombshells he has no choice but to sit on.

Theo worries at a few of the beads in his hair, trying to draw comfort from the familiar textures. “I– I dunno if there’s really anything else, though. It’s…I mean. Hopefully this never fuckin’ matters.”

Wait, fuck. He almost forgot.

“No– I fuckin’ take that back. Scribe said one thing, when they were laughing. Invoked someone they called the Overseer like we’d invoke Prime. I didn’t ask anything else.”

Daz’s irritation vanishes. “Someone exists above them, then?” “Sounds like it. Dunno who or what they are, or if we’ll know more, but…s’ probably good to know they apparently exist.”

A shudder goes down his spine and through his wings. Given what the Showrunner and the Scribe can do, he dreads the thought of knowing what the Overseer is even capable of.

He preferred when gods were beings trapped within the confines of a story. Having to interact with them as much as he does…

Having someone so far above him makes him uneasy. It was already bad enough that he met them every so often when traveling, but adding the Showrunner’s meddling on top of everything else grates at him.

Especially now that he knows that it’s not just watching.

What gets written, and who decides what is described? Whose perspective is it from?

Fuck. He never properly appreciated his Dad’s stance on the mind being a sacred place that nobody else could or should peer into.

Now that he’s facing the idea that his thoughts might not be as private as he assumed, he’s suddenly a hell of a lot more worried about what he’s thinking and how it might be taken.

…Can he knock on wood in his own head? Do either of them even care?

The question makes it hum in thought, its tail swishing back and forth. “Uhm…I've never really thought about it? I know I'm not a she, though. He is closer, but not quite right…”

It takes a moment for it to remember the other one. “Ah, right! They/them would be nice. Since…I mean, it was really ‘cause I was…I was always thought of as the bad parts of him. A monster, really. Something to cage and fear, not…a person.”

Dwelling on its pain about that is exhausting and depressing, though.

“So, uh, maybe…I guess I like they/them better than it,” Innit says, ears perking up a little. “I don’t think I’d have changed it without– I mean, it never crossed my mind. Thank you, Asher. I appreciate you a lot.”

They beam, nuzzling their face into their friend’s fur.

It actually catches them off guard when food appears, and they have to scramble to grab the plates without also dropping Asher. They laugh, proud that they managed to do it, though.

They squeak in alarm, having to let go of Asher– who scrambles onto their shoulder instead– in order to grab all of the food.

A pout forms. “That was mean! I almost dropped them all…”

They sit down to eat, and their other friends come to sit beside them. They hum happily as they enjoy the treats being given to them.

The pancakes are its favorite. Fluffy, stuffed with chocolate chips, topped with whipped cream, and gloriously sweet, it knows it will have to try and find someone who makes something similar.

They reply, “I’m really gonna enjoy walking around, too. I think…I think, as soon as we know everything is stable and I have just– the basics of having an actual body down? I want to go and explore. There are some groups that do that kind of thing, y’know? Uhm, some clubs and stuff. And there’s some jobs for it, too– people need places to live, and some people really like being super far out. There’s cavers, gatherers, and whatnot, since some stuff you have to find rather than grow.”

According to the gossip that Innit has had no choice but to hear, there are often new biomes, structures, and even loot that shows up. Supposedly, the newer something is, the more likely you are to find good stuff.

San, being a sucker, can’t help but baby their residents.

Innit would love to know how much control they have and if they tweak things based on who is finding it.

They also wonder if some of Daz’s favor will rub off on them. Maybe if they talk to the server like they wish someone had talked to them, San will love them even more than they love Daz.

“I’m really excited for the chance to do stuff like that, though. I know I said I'd live with Aster, but, I mean–”

They can't help but feel a little bitter about how he's mostly forgotten about them. Instead, his focus is on the bastard and their burgeoning romance.

No matter how much they want to burst the bubble, they also don't have the heart to do that.

And…it’s a risk, too. 

Everyone is willing to let them out because they're free in the timeline Aster and Daz are seeing, but if that certainty in their goodness goes away–

Well. All the more reason to weasel their way into an exploration team.

If they bond with someone there, maybe they won't need to rely on Daz’s circle.

And the more people who know and care about them, the less likely it is that they can be forced back into Daz’s head again, or exiled, or otherwise forced to leave Sanctuary.

Maybe, during the period where they’re gaining enough trust to be allowed to wander like they want, they can make good use of being in Daz’s head and make some friends.

He scoffs at him. “Cutting them so haphazardly fucks up how cooked they are. The tiny ones will be overcooked, the big chunks will still be half raw.”

Rolling his eyes, Daz tells him, “Just go sit down. I clearly overestimated you. I swear to fuck, if anyone knew how dogshit you are with cutting something–”

Aster  evidently annoyed by the dismissal, leans in and murmurs, “You’re the one who marries me. I wonder how many times you'll take care of me before we…how do you put it? Die of old age together in our sleep?”

Heat blooms across his face. “Shut up, that's–”

He's dragged into a vision again.

Aster stares at a loaf of crafted bread that's visibly been tampered with.

Dream laughs as he looms above him. “Weren’t you hungry? I can hear your stomach from here. Go on; eat up.”

Looks like weakness. Better than poison, Aster thinks, taking the loaf and scarfing it down.

And then another vision.

The two of them are snuggled up together on the couch, a blanket over them. There’s a movie on, but Future-Aster can't stop looking at Future-Daz.

As his fingers slowly twist around fluffy, golden curls, Future-Aster suddenly murmurs, “I'm yours.”

The future version of Daz snaps his attention to him. A shy smile creeps up. “Yeah?” “Just like you're mine.”

Back in his own body, Daz fights the surge of misplaced longing he feels.

They're not that close, not yet. Just because it happens eventually…

Goosebumps rise on his arms as Aster suddenly asks him, “What does it mean when we tell each other ‘yours’ and ‘mine’?”

He jolts, his earlier blush morphing into a fire. He's sure his face is as red as a tomato right now. “I–! It’s– it's an admin thing, it's–”

“I don't think I should be having this much fun making you flustered. But also…you do kinda deserve it,” Aster hums.

He glares at him. “Fuck off. Don't abuse what you learn about me like that.”

It startles him when he's suddenly backed against the counter. Aster is too close, and there's this look–

“Do you have any idea how much it hurts to see inside your head?”

…What?

Aster stares at him, voice low as he continues, “It makes me feel like a piece of shit for never noticing you quietly bleeding out in front of us. Your nightmares– how many nights did you wake up choking down screams and then text me a stupid question, because you were terrified I was dead?”

There's a lump in his throat and his gaze skitters away. He lost track a long time ago.

With a shuddering breath, Aster rests his head on Daz’s shoulder. “Do you have any idea what it's like to realize that while I was resenting you, your mental stability hinged on whether or not I told you what my least favorite kind of fruit is at four am? To know your nightmares are haunted by me being dead or suffering a fate worse than death? That–”

Horrifyingly, Aster’s breathing hitches and there's a dampness at his shoulder.

“That I was so fucking important to you, but you hid it behind being a bastard! If you had just said something–!”

Daz awkwardly hugs him, shifting his weight to be a bit more comfortable.

He knew his mind was an ugly place, but he hadn't really…given much thought to how poorly Aster, of all people, would be handling it.

For some reason, he didn’t expect it to really phase him. For a while he was sure that it would be used against him, but instead…it’s like it’s a bigger weakness for Aster.

“It wasn't just you,” he tries to reason.

Pretty sure that's worse.

Aster tells him, shoulders shaking, “Don't fucking lie to me. Not about this. Your nightmares about me are uniquely horrible. When I'm dead, I look like I've been mauled. When I'm not, death would be kinder.”

No matter how much he tries to wrack his brain for which ones could have triggered this sort of response, he can’t think of any that are especially bad.

Yeah, that's the point. They all suck. Kinda funny how he often has such a big role, though. Sure you weren’t into him already?

He’s not going to dignify that with a response.

Daz swallows. “I can see how that would be…upsetting.” “I resent seeing it, and then I feel even worse because you don’t get a break from this– this bullshit.”

On impulse, he frees Aster’s hair from the low, short ponytail he keeps it pulled back in. It makes it easier to be able to card a hand through his hair, trying to mimic the motions that soothe Daz.

Seeing Aster, of all people, break down like this…hurts.

It hurts, because he knows Aster is strong. He’s stupidly, superhumanly, impossibly strong, honing himself into a deadly weapon to protect those he loves.

Seeing someone break down like this reminds him too much of–

Of others. Wilbur, Dream, Innit. Himself, maybe. The rug getting yanked and showing that what he assumed to be floor was nothing more than sand that simply hadn’t shifted yet.

In a desperate attempt to stop that sand from collapsing entirely, he murmurs, “I’m used to it. I don’t know how to be any different.”

It’s not even a lie. He’s lived with nightmares for most of his life, though they only got this bad in Sanctuary. Before, he could mostly tolerate them…though with Dream, he didn’t need to.

And then everything went wrong, and his safe haven turned into a waking nightmare.

“That makes it worse,” Aster mutters, and at that point Daz realizes that dinner is pretty much impossible.

He gently lifts Aster’s chin up. “Go get ready for bed. I’ll clean up real quick and join you. Getting this emotional is exhausting, you’ll end up passing out in the food anyway.”

For a long moment, Aster searches his expression, and then scoffs. “Not like I could tell if you were hiding something,” he mutters, and Daz feels a pang of guilt.

Still, he confirms, “No. Not unless things were really bad.”

Aster steps away, and for a split second Daz feels surreally unmoored without his weight.

Metaphor, Innit hums, once again playing the unwanted peanut gallery.

Once I'm out, you won't have to deal with it any more. 

True. Daz makes quick work of storing or trashing the ingredients, turning appliances off, and making some sandwiches so they don't go entirely hungry.

He opens the door and finds Aster anxiously messing with his earrings on the edge of the bed.

Daz sits next to him and offers a sandwich.

Aster wordlessly takes it and starts eating.

Once Daz finishes his food, he finally talks. “You shouldn't feel guilty. I'm a good liar, and I know how to make you overlook things you'd otherwise question. I spent years making sure you never liked me too much.”

“Which you're aware is fucked up, right?”

He sighs. “Can you really blame me? In my shoes, with that belief– that pattern…would you really not make plans?”

Aster is quiet.

Slowly, he says, “I see the logic, yes. But that doesn't mean it doesn't kill me to know you’ve lived with that for so long.”

“Nobody would believe that between us, you're the one with a bleeding heart,” he huffs.

Aster twists to look at him, brow furrowed. “You care, too. You care enough to be the unflinching support the server needs, both openly and not. You care enough to see the potential in four people who were floundering. You care enough to build a fortress for someone who you want to keep safe.”

He swallows. “Those were for my own benefit.” “You think the rest of us got nothing from working with you? C'mon– don't make it a double standard,” Aster scoffs.

His future partner continues, “Like I told Day– you built us into who we are today. You're somebody precious to us, no matter how much you don't want to accept that.”

Daz’s throat is tight as Aster cups his face and presses their foreheads together. In a voice heavy with emotion, his something says, “I dunno if I'm in romantic love yet, or anything. But I know I already love you platonically. You have been a central pillar of my new life. Everything I have now, I can trace back to your influence. Let's not kid ourselves; my relationships with Theo and Lee are as strong as they are because of you. The support and guidance you've shown me is clearer than ever, now that you're not trying so hard to make me hate you. I keep finding new ways you’ve helped me without ever taking credit for it. How can I not love you for that?”

I don't think he ever could have killed you. Not for real.

Yeah, Daz is beginning to suspect that, too.

Is this really how Aster feels about him? It's not that he actually thinks it's a lie– he knows Aster too well to think that– it's just that, well…

It feels strange. He worked so hard to keep a gulf between them, yet they're closer than ever.

Some deep part of him– not Innit, an actual instinct– purrs, mine.

So he follows his gut and murmurs, “Saying yours and mine reinforces a claim. Admins need claims to function properly. A two-way claim is…really, really important. Being allowed to claim someone is monumental as it is. Having that claim reciprocated is something else entirely. Being reminded of that kind of claim makes an admin feel more secure in it.”

He hesitates a moment, then snuggles up to him. Into Aster’s chest, he admits, “That’s why I used to braid Dream’s ribbon into his hair every morning. It reinforced our bond and reminded him that I cared about him in that specific way.”

Aster’s arms wrap around him like a habit. It feels warm and strangely safe. “Day called me a while back and asked what would happen if someone I had a duo with lost their half. I didn't really understand then, but…claims aren't just signifiers, are they? To an admin, that is the bond.”

“Rejecting a claim item is like rejecting the admin. It– as far as we could figure out, claims are like…a form of protection. A warning to others that harming a claimed person will invoke the wrath of the admin who loves them. So by rejecting it, it's like a– a signal that we're not good enough to do that. That we're unworthy.”

Aster’s breath hitches. Quietly, he whispers, “Oh.”

Daz peers up at him. There’s a stricken look on his face.

“Tubbo was the only one who accepted you until Dream. He didn't understand, but he did it because you needed it. If admins need people who they've claimed…”

Heart aching, Daz admits, “He kept me sane most of my life. I loved Dream and wished he had been my brother, but Tubbo already was my brother. The Dream SMP was meant to be a paradise. A land of peace and safety, where I wouldn’t ever have to be lonely or scared. A place where my family– my real family, the people who loved me more than anything– where they would be happy and protected. As long as I had the two of them, I would have been happy.”

“And then you lost them both in one fell swoop.”

“Yeah. I lost the only real family I’d ever had, my mentor, my sense of safety, my peace of mind, my plans– fuck, I was going to have everything! I was going to be an admin, standing side by side with my mentor! Tall and proud and worthy, unable to be hurt or taken away from the place and people I loved. That server was my home, that base was my home!”

He started gripping the front of Aster’s hoodie at some point, the dam of memories and emotions too overwhelming not to reach for an anchor. “And it was my fault! That stupid fuckin’ enchantment was my idea! Dream hated it– he fought it over and over and over, and it was me who kept pushing for it! I wanted us to be safe, to have peace of mind– to give us an edge so that even if someone fucked around, we would be alive to make them find out.”

Aster is quiet, letting him get it out. He just strokes Daz’s hair, because he’s probably learned that’s one of the best ways to calm him down.

“But that stupid fuckin’ bastard got in the way. He tried to use me as bait– would have killed me, if they fucked the potions up. Almost did it anyway, from magic overload. Dream was terrified to even try a totem, y’know? That’s how much magic was in me. Even after the effects were wiped, I spent the night sobbing and having seizures in his arms. Whatever control Dream had– whatever kindness he had left? It shattered. That single fuckin’ act, it triggered everything. But the enchantment…that was me. That was my fault. I should have pushed harder for an item. It would have been so easy to enchant an anklet or something, but I was stubborn. So was he.”

It was what we thought was best. How could we have known it would end like that?

“We wanted to give him peace of mind. He was so scared something would happen– that I’d be in danger. We thought…we thought that if we had protection in our very souls, or respiration, or whatever, that he’d breathe easier.”

We were proud of it, though. Proud that he needed us so badly.

“We were his only hope. His– his sun. His heart. We hollowed out his chest and made it our home. Every time he chose us, we rejoiced. Our base instead of the Dream Team house; his days spent in our company instead of with his friends. His nights protecting us from nightmares. Teaching us everything he knew and delighting in how we grew, and grew, and grew. We were a force to be reckoned with,” Daz murmurs.

Aster is watching him, still letting him get this out. But, softly, his friend and future partner murmurs, “You’ve become the king of rabbits, haven’t you?”

It makes him laugh, softly and sadly. “Even a mouse will fight, if cornered. Don’t we embody that?” “We do. Pyrrhic victories were good enough for us, as long as those bastards lost something, too.”

He shifts to snuggle closer, hands tangling in Aster’s hair. “I think I’m starting to see why I fall for you. You’re a good person, Aster. I don’t…I don’t think I’d want someone else to see my past. Or be my future.”

Aster toys with a strand of his hair, and from the tone of his voice, it sounds like he’s smiling. “You wanna tell people we’re dating, then?”

“...Yeah. I– I think that’d be nice.”

Daz grins, shifting to look up at him. He was right; Aster’s expression is warm. “You’re not ready for being taken on dates.”

“If you take me to Serf and Turf, I will walk out, consequences be damned,” Aster warns, eyes thinning a little.

He scoffs, “No, no, that’s too obvious. If I was going to mess with you…hmm. You’ll see. But, nah, I mean just– real dates. Sanctuary has a lot of fun places I know you’ve never even heard of. Plus, I dare you to tell me you wouldn’t want to team up for Bedwars.”

Aster’s eyes light up. “Nobody would stand a chance.” “It’d be really funny to do it as a training exercise, you know.”

There’s a bright, cheerful laugh. “That almost sounds cruel.” “They’d just take it as a challenge,” Daz scoffs, “The Swords and Shields aren’t going to bow out just from getting nuked from orbit.”

He’s glad the topic shifted, because this sort of banter is a lot easier than the heavy stuff from before.

Voice still warm and fond, Aster hums, “Thank you. I’m honored you shared some of your past with me like this. It means a lot. Any time you want to talk, I’ll listen. About your past, about your present, about dumb things that bother you. If we’re gonna have a family eventually, we should…get used to that kind of communication.”

Daz’s throat feels tight, and he finds himself blinking tears away. “I– yeah. Uhm…yeah, you– you’re right,” he mumbles, feeling oddly shy.

Aster smiles, and lets his hand drop. “I’d lay down right now, but you’re not ready for bed. I don’t wanna risk falling asleep without you.”

He feels his cheeks turn pink. “I– uh, why?”

“I don’t sleep as well. I get restless and wake up over and over. So you help me too,” Aster answers.

Daz…doesn't know how to answer that.

He's reminded of Dream, who said something similar. How he just– could sleep easier, with Daz curled up in his arms.

For once, the comparison to Dream doesn't grate against from as badly. Of all the things to have in common with that bastard– and Aster really does have a disquieting amount of them– this is one he can accept.

It's good he isn't making things worse, anyway.

You probably gave him a shitload of new nightmares, Innit unhelpfully points out. Your mind sucks to be in.

Daz sighs, reluctantly getting up. He really doesn't need Innit to ruin this moment more.

I'll ruin your weirdchamp budding romance once I'm free, it reminds him.

“Yeah, yeah, you know I'm working on that,” he mutters, rolling his eyes. To Aster, he says, “I'll go get bedworthy–” “Bedworthy?”

Aster incredulous and amused tone makes him grin, too. “I mean– my bed is nice, yeah? Can't just get in with anything.” “At this point, it's really more our bed. And I say that's stupid.”

Daz blinks. It's…a fair point.

Actually, do beds count as assets? He’s pretty sure houses do, but he’s unsure about furniture.

Huh. Something to look up, he supposes.

Well, it's not like it really matters. Future-Aster is completely and utterly smitten with him, and Daz sure as fuck would never consider a divorce.

Come to think of it, he's going to need to smother his future husband and current boyfriend in so many gifts.

Especially clothes. He'll have to inspect the construction of Aster’s current wardrobe to dissect and improve.

And if he sneaks in some swirls or hidden golden thread, well…

Hey, it'll get the point across.

Because Aster is his now. They know they get married and have a family together, yeah, but not many others do.

But dating and visibly being claimed would–

Wait.

He realizes all at once that he wants to claim Aster. He wants to create something for him, wants to make an item to declare that nobody is allowed to harm him.

And he knows what he makes, right? It's a bit grating to just copy it, though, almost like cheating–

You know, Innit murmurs, an odd tone to its voice, I'm pretty sure the timeline changed a bit. I don’t think the versions of you you’re seeing saw the future. If things have already shifted, I don't see a point in doing the same claim. Do something new.

That's…a fair point, albeit a distressing one.

He's gotten attached to the sweet, stubborn kid he keeps getting glimpses of. He's gotten attached to the life he sees, too.

If things have changed, how much of that will be different? How much of the future he sees is already or will become impossible?

It's something to discuss later. For now, all he needs to focus on is getting ready for bed and sleeping.

How wonderful, to be able to look forward to falling asleep. How precious, to know his sleep will be gentle and unburdened by nightmares. How lovely, to feel safe in someone's arms again.

Much like Aster, Daz doesn’t really know if what he feels is romantic love.

But he’s familiar with platonic love. He can’t help it; he’s an admin, and when he cares, he cares deeply.

Aster has been in his heart for longer than he's wanted to admit. Not solely, of course, and definitely not romantically.

But he’s still been there. He's been there physically, too; despite the bullying and active attempts to piss him off, Aster has been a bedrock. 

They’ve been united in their goal in a way none of the others are. They definitely care more than average, sure, but he and Aster are just…devoted.

And that level of devotion will be directed at each other, eventually.

It would be terrifying if he didn't know that Aster will care for him so deeply. It's impossible not to notice; any time he's in Future-Aster's head, he's mushy and warm and adoring.

He's a simp, basically.

Maybe that's what he needs, though; someone who he can truly let down his guard with. A person who loves him enough to start a family with him; a person who he can spill his secrets to and then have his tears wiped away and fears soothed.