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Pac was back.
Fit couldn't be more relieved seeing his roommate back to the Island, more than the worry for his well-being after the kidnap, also because the bald’s sleep hasn't been the same since his absence, alongside with Ramon’s whimpers ordering his “future dad” back.
(To compound his son's sudden state of dependence on his possible future boyfriend and current roommate, prior to Pac's official disappearance, he was called to an "intimate" conversation. Fit didn't overhear the conversation, and didn't fully understand since he was distant and taking care of Sunny, but Pac and Ramon had a deep dialogue.
Starting with the part that Fit heard, which makes him take longer to fall asleep every time he remembers it, shivering all over. When Ramon greeted him with one of his Portuguese new learnt phrases: "Bom dia futuro Pai!" That made the Brazilian nervously laugh, even though a smile spread across his entire face. Turning towards the bald man and pointing to his son, he exclaimed loudly:
"Fit! What have you been saying to him- What have you been saying to him?!"
And red as a tomato, the other stuttered in response "I have NOT been saying ANYTHING! He just- He likes to make jokes! Once in a while… Making jokes, just- Making jokes!"
Ramon shook his head, and Pac drew closer, the child right behind, sticking close to him.
"Ooor maybe he's talking about reality… Who knows!"
Fit couldn't tell if Pac used a more seductive tone of voice or if he was so deeply entrenched in his trap that his whispers were inherently alluring, but like a siren's song, that sentence occupied his mind every night.
Right after that, Ramon pulled the Brazilian "future dad" aside, and the bald man couldn't keep up with the conversation anymore, but it went on like this:
The child asked about Fit. Pac inquired what he wanted to know, and if it was about "what they had," to which the little one immediately nodded in agreement.
"Oh yeah! So, about Fit… You want me to tell you everything about Fit?! Ok… I don't even know w-where to begin with… Ahmm let me think… Ok, y'know me and F-Fit started being friends… Good friends… Ahm… I-I'm not sure if we already took the next step… Y'know? Y'know what I'm saying? We have been, been- getting- getting- closer and closer Y'know? I don't know how to talk abou this Ramon. Ahm… I'm a little shy. Well, but nothing is a 100%, I would say, y'know? In the meantime I would probably- just say we are being good friends… I think…"
Smiling wildly, the kid engaged him, "Take your time!"
"Y-Y-y… bUT! Do I have your blessing? Y'know? That's important to me y'know. Cuz', you're like… Really attached to Fit and… Fit loves you a lot . So having that blessing from you, r-really means the world" Pac stuttered throughout the phrase.
"If u don't hurt him", Ramon looked away, but his syllables came out with strength and sincerity, and the older whispered a fast No! Not at all! "And love him with all your heart, and take care oh him… Then you have my blessing!" The little one looked back into the other's dark eyes, a smile stretching from ear to ear.
"Oooh so I! Ooh t-that's so cute Ramon. Y'know? I'm gonna do everything as you said. That's actually gonna be my, how can I say, my core- I don't know how to say it- My core… Stuff… I'm gonna follow your guidelines and do exactly as you decide. A-And! Thank you Ramon! It means a lot to me, y'know, coming from you… And I hope everything turns out… Good… Me, you, Fit… And Richas! We can all hangout and have a family"
Pac saw more maturity in the child than in many other residents of the island, and his heart swelled with emotion at the affectionate way the child referred to his father. Yet, he still trusted himself to stand by his side (for with that same gentle voice, the child referred to him as the future Father).
Obviously, the Brazilian confirmed with a resounding yes and expressed how delighted he was for the blessing. It was enough for the Mexican child to understand that he would indeed be capable of providing all the said assurances to the American.
The only other thing Fit heard from the conversation between the two was seconds before Pac hugged them for the last time since then, a "come back and marry Fit" from Ramon's lips, which left him embarrassed to this day. Pac didn't deny the request, just smiled in his direction.)
It was a message on his communicator that alerted him to someone's arrival. Philza messaged him the moment he saw the Brazilian step into the Spawn, saying, Your husband is back. Barely finishing reading, purple particles already surrounded him, heading towards where they seemed to be present.
Many voices became scattered throughout the area. Philza was, as usual, accompanied by his two children. Forever was also present, shaking a figure that Fit would dare to say was the one he missed the most. Tubbo was back too, seemingly exhausted, slumped against one of the spawn walls while Chayanne nudged him.
There were more people scattered around. None of them really mattered to him or deserved his attention. Fit didn't even bother to look around enough to see if Etoiles, BadBoyHalo, and Bagi were also back. His eyes fixated on a specific silhouette since he found it.
" Pac ?"
The American's voice faltered. The tone came out louder than planned, as he hadn't even intended to say anything.
His hair was longer than before, tied back in a small ponytail. This time he wasn't wearing a tank top but a white t-shirt that displayed rips in various places. The short sleeves, however, revealed the scars apparent on his arms - which he dared say seemed to have gained more muscle once again (justifiable, considering the conflicts he must have faced once more in Purgatory 2). His pants were black, and Fit knew exactly which ones: the piece of the suit he wore the last time they met.
Their bright eyes focused on the American's face, his scar coming into view along with a few new cuts (much less deep) across his beautiful face. (Mentally, the American swore that if he found out who dared to touch Pac's beautiful face, he would make them regret it.) A smile took over, along with a blush on his cheeks.
The darker-haired man approached, taking wide and enthusiastic steps, stopping in front of Fit, almost pressed against him. He subtly lifted his head to gaze into the depths of the other's clear eyes, who was slightly taller.
Fit couldn't tell if it was the comfort and peace that Pac conveyed, but the Spawn - even though crowded - suddenly seemed silent. They stared at each other, contemplating each other's presence once more (especially after the inconvenient way they were separated, just when things seemed to be progressing between them; after a heartfelt gesture from the bald man, something they wouldn't mention to each other but would refer to as a "meeting" to others, and especially after a warm conversation between the Brazilian and the Mexican child).
The American sighed, surrendering to the younger man's presence and enveloping him in a hug. Pac's eyes widened in surprise, usually being the first to suggest more physical contact, albeit always with hesitation or declarations that he would hug to avoid any discomfort.
He embraced him tightly, arms securely around his back, relishing the warmth of their bodies so close. And the Brazilian, with a shy smile on his face, the blush increasing on his skin, timidly placed his hands on the other's broad back.
The click of a camera echoed in the silence , snapping Fit out of his comfort. His arms quickly retreated from his friend , and his gaze - almost eagle-like - turned to where the flash sounded loudest. Obviously Philza, with an unabashed grin and his favorite camera in hand.
He practically lunged towards his best friend with a threatening air, which immediately made the Brit burst into loud laughter. He covered the British man's field of vision, with their backs turned to the two colleagues who had returned, and with a flushed face, he whispered, "Give me a copy..." Philza laughed again, nodding in agreement, and prepared a copy on his digital polaroid.
The blond handed him the image, its colors slowly appearing, and Fit quickly tucked it into his trouser pocket to avoid exposing that he had requested copies of an intimate moment. "But he's not alone," Philza whispered.
FitMC's eyebrows furrowed, intrigued by the saying. "Pac?" His friend nodded in agreement.
As Fit turned around, he didn't come face to face with Pac standing in the same place, but Forever, who quickly approached, patting his shoulder lightly. Searching for Pactw, the American soon spotted him engaged in hugs and a lot of physical contact with a moustached man - his eyebrows furrowed even more (if possible), accompanied by a bitter pang in his stomach at the sight.
"That one over there is Xinim'," the president explained, a big smile on his face as usual. "He's Brazilian, has history with Pac and all."
" History ?" Fit's expression grew more concerned.
Forever smirked slightly. "Yeah, big boy , pay attention. He and Pac have known each other for many years, as much as Cellbit, y'know? There are rumours that Xinim' is in love with Pac or something like that."
Fit wouldn't judge him if that were true. He was guilty of the same. His fist still clenched, and his throat constricted at the idea. Why was he here, with him, having such a history? - He questioned himself, somewhat frustrated. Why now? When he couldn't even establish a position of superiority, introducing himself as the boyfriend of the long-haired Brazilian, or something like that. (It was a somewhat archaic thought, but one of the most modern romances he knew. Where he came from, relationships were sealed with palms cut and shared blood, and rings were substituted by handmade daggers.)
"And why is he here?" Fit tried not to sound as aggressive and jealous as he felt, but he probably failed, as the man in the suit laughed, slapping him harder.
He shrugged before stepping away. "Great question, big boy, " he positioned himself slightly in front of Fit, whistling, then waving to Pac and the new guy. " Ou, moço! Vem aqui explicar para o seu namorado o porque você trouxe seu outro namorado !" (*Hey man! Come here and explain to your boyfriend why you brought your other boyfriend!) This time, he spoke in his native language, and the American only understood a few words, but judging by the other Brazilian's facial expression, there were some incriminating sayings in the sentence.
Pac approached, waving his hands in the air before playfully hitting his blond friend. " Não fala isso! Ele não é meu namorado!" (*Don't say that! He's not my boyfriend!) Fit only caught the "no," but he was burning to understand what "namorado" meant and why the word had been repeated so many times.
Forever laughed, entirely dedicated to teasing the pair. " É então explica pro grandão ali! Porque ele tá se corroendo em querer saber porque você foi sozinho e voltou com um homem brasileiro. Pior ainda se ele souber as outras coisas que aconteceram lá, vixe moço você perde seu romance." (*So explain it to the big guy over there! Because he's eating himself up wanting to know why you went alone and came back with a Brazilian man. Even worse if he knows the other things that happened there, oh boy, you'll lose your romance). He spoke at double speed in Portuguese, trying to prevent Fit from understanding his syllables.
The man in tattered clothing approached, playfully hitting the blond and letting out only murmurs through his puffed-up cheeks. He cleared his throat and glanced at the American (who obviously had his attention on him already). Gesturing towards the friend he brought from the lands of yellow-greenish skies, with a smile as forced as ever, he addressed, "Um, Fitch !" By the accent, Pac easily revealed his nervousness about the topic. "Let me, um, let me introduce you... My friend ..."
Standing almost side by side, the pair of good friends approached the potential new resident. Pac was nervous, almost trembling, while the new Brazilian looked the bald man up and down.
"Fit, this is Guaxinim, my friend from... the past ... Guagua, this is Fit," he pointed between the two for their respective introductions.
Neither Pac nor Fit noticed the approach of a third person. Only Guaxinim did, as he was within his field of vision. The blond who approached, however, raised his face near the American's shoulder and, staring at the newcomer, asked, "From prison?"
Pac's eyes widened, and he turned to Philza. He shook his head slowly, surprised by the quick association. With his only curiosity satisfied, he stepped away to return his attention to his pseudo-child and godfather of his children, who was under the care (or annoyance) of Chayanne and Tallulah. Fit would need to ask what happened to Tubbo and why he seemed so shaken; he'd likely lost again in the last few minutes. That definitely wasn't the most important thing now.
Guaxinim extended his hand to the American, a mischievous smile on his face. His grip was firm on the other's calloused fingers, and Fit avoided smiling as the man approached (even though he greeted him out of courtesy).
"You can call me love , if you prefer."
See, Fit isn't used to flirting. He only knows two kinds: the clearly platonic and playful ones (usually shared with Philza and Forever), and the ones Pac seems to engage in with him, or the ones he tries with Pac. So, the unexpected flirting caught him off guard. His ears were burning, and his speech was a mess of syllables that amounted to nothing but "Ahm"s and "Uhm"s.
Pac shot an intense look at his friend, the kind Fit was personally experiencing for the first time. Fit felt new sensations in his stomach with the other's reaction, a brief smile inevitably spreading across his face.
He approached Guaxinim, teeth clenched and a forced smile, blurting something out that, unfortunately, the American didn't understand again. However, the other Brazilians understood easily. " Eu falei para você que eu ia te matar lá no Purgatório. Eu vou fazer de novo aqui." (*I told you I'd kill you back in Purgatory. I'll do it again here).
" Ih carai, Xinim’ atacante " (*Holy shit, Xinim is really flirtatious) Forever approached, ignoring the whispers he caught at the end. " Selouco' o Guaxi era o terceiro perfeito para gente né Pac? Piranhatrio. Eu curto" (*S'crazy, Guaxi was the perfect third for us, right Pac? Piranhatrio. I’m into it).
The long-haired one pushed the blond away, wearing a disgruntled expression aimed at Guaxinim, clearing his throat while rolling his eyes.
"Hey, Fit!" That familiar voice sent shivers down the American's spine. He hadn't heard it in a good while.
His eyes widened in surprise as Mike approached them. Fit believed he was still in a coma, so discovering that he not only was awake but also bore battle scars like the others didn't make much sense.
His energy, nonetheless, seemed different. His speech returned somewhat more gentle and humorous, and although his eyes were still a bit wild, Mike clearly didn't gaze at him with the same deathly intensity as before. (And well, fortunately, Ramon wasn't awake to test Mike's limits).
"Mike?!" The colourful-haired one offered him a smile, giving him a sideways hug and gently tapping his shoulder. He seemed like the same Mike , not the altered one after a kidnapping. The bald one ended up smiling back.
"I heard you and Pac are going well . Finally, huh?"
Both of the mentioned individuals immediately blushed and seemed nervous. The colourful Brazilian had a wide smile. Fit stuttered in an attempt to respond - he didn't even know what to say to that assertion.
Using his strength, Pac pushed the friends back and positioned himself between them and Fit. Locking eyes with the older one, he immediately shifted into a more angelic and captivating demeanour, the kind he always essentially reserved for that particular person.
"I-I'm going to show him around the Island, Fitch . Me and Mike. Yes! Ah, y-yes... Can we... Can we see each other later?"
The bald man cleared his throat, straightening his posture and snapping out of the reverie the scene had caused him. "Um, sure . Whenever you want. Just give me a call." He offered a smile.
"See you then," he practically whispered, his hand meeting the other's in a soft, fleeting touch that sent shivers down the other's spine in the same way.
The Brazilians whispered to each other in Portuguese, nudging one another, before bidding their "goodbyes" and disappearing amidst purple particles. FitMC finally breathed normally.
✧
The first thing Ramon said upon waking up, completely grumpy, was, "Where's my future dad?" And for the first time in almost two weeks, Fit could respond (even though he blushed as if it were the first time the child referred to the Brazilian in that way) with a smile on his face.
His fingers tidied up the child's long strands of hair. "He came back yesterday morning."
The child's eyes sparkled, and he bounced out of bed with all the energy he hadn't displayed for days. "Where? Where?!" he repeated, eyes scanning the room as he hopped on the padded floor.
"He's been showing the Island to a friend since he arrived. I haven't had much chance to talk to him yet," Fit tried not to show bitterness in his explanation. It would be selfish of him to have Pac all to himself since his return, but it was what he wanted .
"A friend?" The father nodded in agreement, and the child furrowed his brows with a hint of judgement. "A friend? Fit, what friend?"
The American nervously stroked his own nape and let out a laugh. "An... A friend from the past."
"You can't let dad Pac go with another."
"Not your dad..."
"My dad Pac! My future dad!" He kicked his legs on the bed, almost as if throwing a tantrum, a big pout forming on his lips due to his discomfort with the news.
"It's not what you're thinking, Ramon..." Fit hoped he was right. "A-and, of course! Pac and I have nothing, haha... We're just... roommates..."
"You don't sleep in the same room."
"It's just an expression."
"Well, you're expressing it wrong!" The boy rolled his eyes. "Are you really going to let him just be your roommate , Fit? We talked about this..."
Listening to the complaints of the eight-year-old who spoke with the authority of someone at least fifteen, the bald man was interrupted by a message on his communicator that read: Bom dia :D what are your plans for today?
The beginning of the message in Portuguese made him smile. Moistening his lips before letting out a sigh, he glanced at his son. "Want to see Pac?" The child's eyes lit up again, a smile stretching from ear to ear as he nodded eagerly.
Fit typed in response: o/ I'm with Ramon, we don't have anything planned. Want to meet at the spawn?" And the Brazilian, without much delay, replied: Coming!
Ramon got ready without hesitation to meet Pac. He had been eagerly waiting for this moment.
The last time he saw the Brazilian, he got the affirmations he needed from him, the final point that would seal the romance he believed was already happening. Ramon knew his father's feelings, and he just needed to know that Pac felt the same way—and he wasn't disappointed when the answer was yes .
If he was back, all he needed to do was fulfil his promise: come back alive, well, and marry Fit. And thus, Ramon could have more family moments with his, finally, family ; with all the letters, just like in an advertisement. Him, Fit, Pac, and Richarlyson.
Upon arriving at the Spawn, the Brazilian was already there; His arms were no longer exposed, and he wore a new blue hoodie with his typical Pac-Man design. His hands were hidden again in gloves, and there were some bandages on the wounds on his face. Fit inevitably observed every detail of his face, enraged again by the thought that anyone could have had the audacity to hurt him like that. Furious that he wasn't there to protect him, this time.
" Bom dia Fit! Bom dia Ramon! Good morning guys!" he waved, smiling.
The child immediately ran to the Brazilian, hugging his leg. Pac chuckled, crouching down to give him a proper hug.
"I missed you, Ramon. How are you?"
Fit smiled at their interaction. The two people he loved the most.
Love . His face flushed. Thinking about Pac these days immediately linked to deep emotions, ones he was experiencing for the first time in his life.
"Well, and you, future dad?"
Pac immediately blushed, letting out an embarrassed chuckle, his fingers ruffling through his hair. Before he could dare to respond, the bald man stepped closer, pulling his son by the collar of his shirt.
"U-Uh, Ramon! Ramon... I've told you... Ugh… Baby steps! " The last one was a whisper to his son's ears. His hand moved aimlessly, rubbing against his own forehead. "Sorry, Pac, you know..."
The darker-haired man stood up, waving his hands in the air to signal that the word didn't bother him. Feeling embarrassed, the bald man released his hold on his son's shirt, and the child quickly clung to the other's jeans again.
"Ei, Pac, aqui." (*Hey, Pac, here.) The familiar yet not easily recognized voice filled the air, speaking in Portuguese. A hand holding a sweet biscuit tapped against the Brazilian's chest, making him startle with surprise. Fit already had his weapon ready, prepared to attack the unannounced visitor.
Pactw's eyes widened before he flashed a smile and stored the cookie (it was a Cucurucho cookie, Fit noticed) in his backpack. "Valeu. Funcionou?" (*Thanks. Did it work?)
"Sim, parece que sim. Quer dizer que eu também sou pai do Richas então, huh?" (*Yeah, looks like it did. Does that mean I'm Richas's dad too, huh?)
"No, you're not." Ramon replied, looking annoyed at the other Brazilian, understanding the conversation due to the similarity with his native language.
" Orras que moleque chave, tem um bigode que nem eu" (* Wow, that kid's got a moustache just like mine!) Guaxinim chuckled, pointing at Ramon.
Fit observed the interactions, puzzled. Something seemed off in the conversation, but obviously, he only understood a few words and struggled to grasp the context of what his son had denied.
"Xinim', inglês ." Pac raised an eyebrow towards Fit. "This is Ramon, Fit's son."
"And Pac's too!"
"Ramon!" Fit scolded, narrowing his eyes in his direction.
"Pac's future son." The child corrected.
Frustrated, the bald man rubbed his palms over his face, feeling warm and probably red from embarrassment.
" Richas vai ficar putinho" ( *Richas will be mad) Guaxinim chuckled. Pac rolled his eyes.
" Não vai não! Ele gosta do Ramon, e do Fit!" (*No, he won't! He likes Ramon, and Fit!)
" Então realmente vai casar com o gostosão é? (* So, are you really going to marry the hot guy then?)
Although not fluent in Portuguese, the American could consider himself fluent in Pac . That same infuriated look from the day before returned to his face, directed at the other Brazilian. He crouched down to his son's height, whispering in his ear: "What are they talking about?"
"You", Ramon whispered back.
The father widened his eyes, his heart immediately racing. Returning his gaze to Pac, he saw him kicking his friend and huffing before pointing into the distance, watching Guaxinim move away laughing.
"Me?!"
"I don't like that guy..." Ramon pouted, crossing his arms.
"Oh, Ramon, don't think like that. You don't know him well yet." Fit always tried to be positive, especially for the sake of his son's manners. Personally? He didn't like him either. "Look at his moustache, how cool is that? I'd say it's as beautiful as yours, probably the most beautiful in Brazil, just like yours is from here".
Pac returned his attention to the pair, ears perked up at the conversation. His heart skipped hearing such a compliment from the American's lips. Nervously, he repeated in his mind: Please... Fit can't like bearded men, that's precisely what I can't do.
The Brazilian with tied-back hair cleared his throat, trying to compose himself and simultaneously gather everyone's attention; the latter worked as all three pairs of eyes rested on him.
"I was, um, thinking of showing the Murder Mystery arena to Guaxinim... Since... I was working on it, right , before I disappeared... You can come with us if you want. If you're not busy, of course. But you might be occupied, which is totally understandable."
The bald man was about to respond, but the child was quicker to silence him with gestures. He approached, holding his hand and nodding in agreement.
✧
It was late, almost night. A group of the present residents were awake, seated by the Spawn, discussing the recent events on the Island (namely, the things that Fit and Philza had faced in the absence of those who frequented the Purgatory) and what had occurred on the 'neighbouring Island,' now that Etoiles and BadBoyHalo were excited to tell all the details.
"Why did only Guaxinim come here?"
"You're crazy, Forever?!" Etoiles' voice fluctuated, always enthusiastic, gesturing towards the president. "There were like forty people, imagine forty people on this Island? Could you handle that, our President?!"
Philza burst into laughter at the Frenchman's aggressive tone, and Fit, next to him, couldn't help but laugh too, although less intensely.
Forever's eyes met Bad's, and they seemed to exchange an immediate silent message between them. This led the American to speak up, "He came with Pac, because they seemed to have something. Pac kept joining our private calls because he'd figure out the password...'"
" Typical Pac," the Brazilian chuckled, quickly interrupting.
"And, you know, I don't speak Portuguese properly, right? But from what I understood and what they told me, Guaxinim kept calling him love ."
Fit shuddered, just as intended by the duo. He tried to keep his facial expression as neutral as possible since he knew the pair's intention was to provoke him. Clearly, it was working, as the idea of it being true sent shivers of nervousness down his spine.
"Who, Pac?" This time it was Etoiles. "There was a Mexican on my team who asked about him a few times. He said he was very handsome and single."
Everyone present didn't hesitate to focus their gaze on the bald man, expecting more reactions from him. All the self-control he didn't possess emerged at that moment, concentrating on not slipping up - and proving that proceeding would indeed affect him.
Turns out, Etoiles seemed more genuine than Bad's attempts at provocation, but Pac was indeed handsome, single, so Fit had no room to complain about it.
"I heard that several people were hitting on him. Guaxinim might know better, as he was hitting on people too. I don't know." BBH stroked his chin, trying to recall more accurate memories of the past events.
"And I heard that some people from Pac's past were there, besides Guaxinim. Some ex-boyfriends and crushs, something like that," Forever teased further, a smirk on his face. "But what happens in Purgatory stays in Purgatory, right ?"
"Well, that's quite something, Forever," the Brit interrupted, one eyebrow raised. "I was told that your ex-boyfriend was there too. And that BadBoyHalo was with him every day."
The two glanced at each other, swallowing hard. Philza smiled triumphantly, while Fit chuckled sarcastically by his side. He stood up with a grunt and lightly slapped his best friend's shoulder.
"Tubbo texted me saying he'd be napping this afternoon and asked us to look after Sunny. Can you help? I can handle two kids, but I'm not the babysitter over there to handle more than that."
Sunny hadn't woken up yet. As a coping mechanism, Fit attacked all the mobs spawning around Tubbo's large factories. Philza calmly followed suit in each of the attacks, his hands clasped behind his back.
"You know they're just getting on your nerves because they know you're jealous of Pac, right?"
Fit grunted. He wasn't good at talking about it and preferred to avoid it if possible.
"I mean, I don't doubt they praised him and flirted with him." The American glared at him furiously and threw one of the potatoes from his cannon at his chest. The Brit grumbled, hands flying to the point of impact before chuckling. " Hey ! I have eyes, it doesn't mean anything , I'm married, Fit. I'm telling you this because others being interested in him doesn't mean anything about what he did about it."
"I know."
"But you're still annoyed."
"Of course I am!" He grumbled, putting his weapon back in the inventory. "Things seemed, I don't know, to be going in a different direction, and then he jumped on the boat and went to Purgatory."
"But you said he invited you to go with him."
"And I couldn't, Phil. Who would take care of Ramon?" The blonde friend raised his hand, and the American rolled his eyes. "Look, I appreciate it, and I know I can trust you, but I couldn't go through that again."
"Who would've thought, you saying that, with your history. It's almost comical," he chuckled in the end.
He sighed, rubbing his face as if it were enough to make his frustration vanish. "The point is that I've always lived in this adrenaline, chaos, and killing, Philza. But ever since I had Ramon and... met... Uh... Friends ! Yeah, friends. Who cares about me. A quiet house, a stable place... Everything has changed since then. I know this place isn't perfect, quite the opposite, but considering my history, it's more like paradise than hell, and..."
" Breathe ."
He stopped the fast and nervous speech as requested. He took a deep breath and exhaled. His friend offered him a smile and squeezed his shoulder.
"I know this kind of relationship is new for you," Fit avoided eye contact, his face flushing. "But that doesn't mean everything will go wrong. I mean- Yeah, you shouldn't be disappointed if something did happen."
"I know," he whispered, almost trying to hold back the words. "But..."
Philza threw an avocado toast at his friend's head, who immediately began to complain dramatically. He always had an absurd amount of avocado toasts in his inventory.
"Okay. But I know, because Pac and I don't have anything."
The blonde raised an eyebrow. "We both know that's not true," the bald man grumbled. "Talk to him when he wakes up and that's it. If you've come this far, you can have an adult conversation with him... Or will Ramon have to do it for you?"
Fit threw the toast back at his friend, this time at the centre of his face.
✧
To avoid further inconveniences, Fit decided to get closer (enough) to Guaxinim. After all, he spent a good part of his time with Pac and Mike (now that both were back and progressing in their projects that had been on hold until then), as they entered at the same time, and to spend more time with Pac during the first week of his return, he adapted to the presence of others. (Ramon, although he liked his moustache, didn't like the intimacy with his future father, regardless of how many times his - real - father assured him that they were just long-time friends. He greeted him and tried to be kind, but often ended up hitting or attacking him with his weapons, apologising if he was called out, saying it was 'accidental.' And fortunately, Mike didn't continue threatening Ramon and actually started doing mechanical projects with him).
The thing is, despite the Brazilian appreciating the romantic interest's approach with his friend, he didn't like the nuances of the approach. After all, Guaxinim was a big flirt , which he was used to and wasn't a problem for him; until it was directed at someone he was interested in, making him a pit of insecurity and frustration.
And if Guaxinim, once again, spoke in front of Fit with flirtatious remarks like he did on the first day, or like those he hinted he would do when they were together in Purgatory, killing him would become part of his routine. The new favela seven wouldn't last long that way.
As soon as the bald man lay down to sleep, during yet another day in this dynamic where Pac distributed looks of hatred and fought his Brazilian friend for his exaggerated flirting with Fit, he ran to Bagi's house (one of the night owls of the place) between sobs and grumbling. He threw himself on the kitchen couch (half pink, half white, where Tina and Bagi shared it as if it were a bed, temporarily), feigning tears to attract his friend's attention.
"You weren't making this drama in Purgatory, so why are you whining now?" The girl approached, followed by Empanada's lively steps.
"Bagi," a pout formed on his lips, "Guaxinim likes Fit."
She laughed loudly, throwing her head back. "And who doesn't Guaxi like?"
"No, Bagi," his bright and pleading eyes fixed on her, " like likes, you know?" He grumbled. "And I don't know what to do because he's kind of the ideal type for Fitch !"
Another loud laugh from the girl, until she noticed Pac with a nervous and sad expression, as if holding his heart and offering it to her. She blinked a few times, staring at him.
" Mãe , he's serious," Empanada commented, trying to sit in the empty space on the couch, and the guy leaned in to help her find some comfort there.
The white-haired girl now noticed that it was indeed serious. She approached, leaning until her elbows rested on the opposite couch where her friend lay down. Her gaze was more receptive now, her heart more open to confessions.
"Pac, you're overthinking it, sweetie. Fitch , since I set foot here, only has eyes for you.
" But ! Everything seemed to be going well before we went to Purgatory, we went out... Sort of... A date... Sort of... But Ramon gave me his blessing , and said he wants us together, Fitch gave me a present, but... Y'know what I went through, I mean, I don't know if you know, but I met so many people from the past, I had to relive so many things, I don't know if I should burden Fitch with this, but I... Wanted ... Didn't want to, burden him with this, wanted to be with him? I don't know!"
"But, but, but?" She stretched out her hand to flick his forehead. "Listen to what you're saying, Pac. Look at everything you achieved even before the Purgatory and the amount of history you have together... You're being silly . This is still, to me, the effect of Purgatory on your system. And not that there isn't a reason for it, there were traumatic moments, and I think what you need most is to open up to him.
"Ask Uncle Fit to go out!" The child said with a big smile on their face, clapping their hands. The mother pointed at the child, nodding in agreement.
"Everyone knows he's madly in love with you, even Em. Ask him out, it won't cost a thing!"
✧
Pac had gathered all his strength that Thursday to ask Fit out for Friday. His hair was tidier than usual, and he even held a rose in his hand (after all, he remembered how much the bald guy appreciated the last time he was given one).
Obviously, he hid it, approaching Tubbo Chunk, where Fit was as usual, along with Sunny, Tubbo, and surprisingly (or not), Mike and Guaxinim. As an honorary member of the Morning Crew , he couldn't deny that seeing them all together without an invitation gave him a strange feeling in his chest—whether he woke up a bit later than them or not.
Maybe it was the exhaustion from the nights when he relived the scenes of Cellbit covered in blood, haunting him again. The torturous way he called him 'Queridinho' with the same bloodthirsty desire as the first time he heard the nickname, now repeating in his mind like a curse. Or the trauma of all the deaths in general in the Purgatory. But Pac quickly felt discouraged about his initial plans—pretending that everything was normal, that nothing had changed since they returned, and wasn't doing him any good in the long run.
In that moment, Pac wished he had found the comfort Tubbo, but above all, Fit , were capable of giving him in the mornings. Instead, he found Guaxinim leaning on Fit, caressing his arm, and all the pile of emotions that had been building up exploded out of him.
The image gave him a strange feeling, something he had pondered in his mind for a long time in the Purgatory: that his baggage was too much, and Fit deserved something better .
Sunny had spotted him and was shouting, 'Uncle Pac?!' Delighted, she jumped toward him for a reunion.
The guys flashed smiles in his direction, noting by the child's announcement that he was approaching. He tried to smile back, but couldn't. He only waved to the girl, and in a whisper that almost broke into a cry, he stepped back two paces and threw the rose in her direction: "I missed you, Sunny! But, but... I! I..." His eyes met Fit's, who took larger strides and was right beside Sunny. His heart was racing, and suddenly his vision blurred. "I-I need to go! I'll talk to you later!"
The dark-haired Brazilian disappeared amidst the purple particles, leaving all his friends confused and motionless. The bald guy, especially - with an agonising ache at the sight of Pac walking away. He knew Pac, and he knew he was about to fall apart from this distance.
"What the hell?!" Tubbo's eyes widened. "What happened?!"
Sunny held the flower, still happy with the gift, and weakly smiled at her dad. "Uncle Pac...was crying..."
Fit vanished among the purple particles without further comments. He was sure he would know where Pac would be.
Now that Mike had returned and ChumeLabs was bustling with its routine machinery and frequent visitors, there was only one strange place Pac would run to when he needed to think. Not even his hideaway on ChumeLabs Island worked anymore, as it had turned into the family's storage area (something he was still happy had grown to such proportions).
The atmosphere was eerily silent, if not for the sounds of the darn seagull that looked after the house as if it were its own. The aged woods even creaked with every step on them. Cobwebs formed in the corners of the walls, and only the sunset's light filled the space, pouring through the large windows.
Fit heard faint sounds of grumbles and tears as he approached the basement stairs. His heart immediately tightened as he descended the old wooden steps. Pac sat in the corner of the dark room, hugging his knees, sniffing against them. Fit held back from being the one to break down from the pain of seeing someone he loved in such a state.
It was immediate how the older man dropped everything he had in his hands and his backpacks by the entrance, walking calmly over to the trembling figure. He sat down beside him, a little distance apart.
"Hey, Pac?"
" Me desculpa, me desculpa. Me desculpa! "
Fit didn't know many phrases in Portuguese, but he knew what that meant. He shook his head in denial.
"Pac, you don't have to apologise for anything."
"I-I ruined everything!" His voice broke with every syllable. "I did everything wrong, Fitch ."
"Wo-wo-wow. Wow. No? Pac, no. Let's take it easy, breathe. You didn't do anything wrong, and I'm here with you. You don't need to talk to me, or "try to explain." Can we focus on you getting calmer first?"
The sigh this time emerged as a painful cry. The kind that would make the Brazilian sound adorable if it didn't break the bald man's heart into new countless pieces. All he wanted to do was envelop him in a hug, tell him it was okay, and reinforce all his qualities. However, it didn't seem appropriate at the moment.
"Do you want some water? I'll get you some. I must have a bit in my backpack." He stood up.
Pac's hand, partially covered by the long sleeve of his jacket, reached out and grabbed the elder's wrist. Holding it tightly, he captured his full attention with his eyes, shaking his head in refusal.
"Don't go..." It was a mix of a whisper and a cry, the plea directed at him.
Fit would be unable, in this life, to deny anything to Pac. So, he sat back down next to him and gently rested the fingers of his prosthetic hand on the hand that held onto him tightly, offering a superficial caress (something he wouldn't usually offer to others for comfort, but felt was needed for the younger man at the moment).
The tears and silent murmurs transformed into timid laughter, and the Brazilian avoided eye contact at all costs. "This is... embarrassing... I-I didn't want to be like this in front of you... sorry, Fit."
"It's okay. It just shows how strong you are. Few can be vulnerable in front of others, and I, for one, really am not. It's admirable."
"You know?" He sniffled, lifting his head but avoiding direct eye contact. "I... I swear it's not... jealousy or anything!" The American's heart raced with the mere idea, his mind running through scenarios that would justify jealousy in Pac. Yet, something in him was pleased to have him feel that way about him. "I- it was, at first , actually... B-But when I saw all of you together today, it was like I realised that everyone seemed so happy , but without me. And that- that I missed the right timing for things to work out! And then, haha , all the strange feelings from the last few days took over my body... I know it's kind of selfish, and it don't... It has nothing to do with you!"
"Of course, it has to do with me, Pac. I care about you more than anyone else, except maybe Ramon, who's a bit more than you." The dark-haired man chuckled at the remark, still with trembling and exhausted breaths. "Given what you've been through, even though I don't know everything, and you don't need to tell me, I understand you feeling this way... But don't say we're happy without you, Pac."
"I... I don't think I'd be missed." His fingers remained firm on the other's muscles, hoping the physical presence could keep him present and grounded in the moment. "I-I think I fuck everything! Many... many things would be different! If I... If I wasn't there..."
Fit sighed, moving the younger man's hand away, pulling along the resisting hold. He put his injured fingers, mostly concealed in his glove, between his two hands and focused all his attention on Pac's face.
"Pac? Look at me."
Pac looked, but soon averted his gaze hesitantly. He took a deep breath, swallowed hard, then made a more persistent attempt to lock eyes as requested.
"It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if you actually messed things up in the past. The past, screw it, it's gone. Let's talk about the present, where you're not messing anything up, nor anyone."
"I-I..." His voice faltered. "I ruined everything... just by stepping there ... I brought everything back..."
"It wasn't your choice to step there! If that's the case, then I should have tried harder to stop you from going, Pac."
"Y-you don't know the things that happened, Fitch . I'm glad you didn't go."
"You can tell me, if you want. You don't have to if you don't want to. I'm here for you, regardless."
The younger man took a deep breath. It was easy to open up to his long-time friends (although, depending on the situation, that didn't apply to Cell), and to his son. Yet, there was something about Fit that made him even more comfortable to confide in. Perhaps it was the impartiality, or the complete opposite of it (since the American would always reassure that everything is fine and would do anything to prove to Pac that he's not as bad as he thinks). Maybe it was his lack of involvement in his past and his external view of everything that the Brazilian saw himself as guilty of.
"Guaxinim wasn't the only... from my past... who was there. Haha , it's easier to ask who wasn't." Fit's eyebrows raised, surprised by the information. "The other Purgatory was bad, yes , terrible if you consider that... we were threatened to, uh , lose our kids... B-but... this one seemed like it was to torture me on another level, y'know? L-like! Worse than when I was imprisoned here on the Island. You know... You know that movie where Tom Cruise wakes up every day in the same place reliving the same thing?" Fit, attentive to each of his syllables, nodded in agreement. "It was like that!"
"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Pac."
"W-well, but that wasn't the worst!"
An incredulous laugh escaped the bald man's lips, an indignant look resting on his face. "And what could have been worse, Pac?"
"T-this?" Pac pulled his shirt and jacket aside, revealing a deep cut near his ribs.
Many feelings ran through the American at that moment. Nervousness and interest in seeing more of him exposed, holding back from seeming strange in how he was attracted on various levels to the Brazilian (physicality inevitably being one of them). The frustration that turned into stress or anger for having been hurt like that, for not having been by his side to defend him and prevent that from happening.
Timidly, he pulled his clothes down again and averted his gaze once more. "B-but it's okay ! It doesn't... It doesn't hurt that m-much. Not anymore! Y'know, right? Y-you have several scars from 2B2T too... I guess what was harder was who made the scar..."
"Who did this to you?" The older man's tone came out more aggressive than intended, unable to contain his heightened emotions.
Pac chuckled nervously and shook his head. "C-Cell was there... Like... Just like he was in prison, you know?"
"Cellbit hurt you?!"
"N-no, not Cellbit..." He scratched his neck, nervous. "B-but I must say, I don't know which of them is the one who returned with us."
The bald man huffed, looked away, and crossed his arms. Mentally, he vowed that no matter which of them it was, he would kill them . Even if it was only one time, in a way they could feel at least a third of the stress, pain, and panic they caused in someone so important to him.
He had promised, before the kidnapping, that if Cell ever hurt him again, hell would rain down on him. Judging by the scars this time, hell alone wouldn't be enough.
" Oh, he's fucked" Whispered, teeth partially clenched.
"B-But!" Pac chuckled, in pain, burying his face between his joined legs again, making his words go unnoticed "All I could think about was seeing you again... And Richas... And Forevin... B-but, ahm . You." Fit's eyes subtly widened, his heart racing when he turned to the younger man. "B-but! It's not fair to you, or anyone, but especially to you, for me to come and throw all this... I could only think, too, about how going through all that torture again proved how you deserve something much better, someone stronger , in every possible way. I was sure, in my head, that coming back I would ask you out on a date, and I-I was even going to try! Today! And then everything collapsed again, me realising that I'm far from being the best for you..."
The American grunted, palms of his hands (the calloused one and the prosthetic) against his face. He shook his head before locking eyes with Pac and poking him to have their eyes intertwined. "Wait. Wait, Pac. Slow down. I-I don't understand, where are you going with this?"
Pac smiled. Sad, exuding pain, but smiled.
"When I was there, C-Cellbit... " He swallowed hard. He believes it was the conscious part within Cell that said this "Said it was better that way, him there , this way, and Roier away... Because he didn't deserve to see him like that, h-he deserved something better. To be happy, and it wouldn't be with him in that state... And... I think it's the same with you, Fit. N-not that we're married! B-but... You know..."
The Brazilian didn't have the courage to say in so many words that something existed between them. Something more real, deep, raw - but it wasn't necessary; both were fully aware of what they felt for each other and the strides they were taking in small steps - yet still, the perfect speed for them.
"Pac... None of that matters."
"I-I-It does!"
"I've told you a few times, and I still think the same thing: I support you, in your rights and wrongs. I don't care about the situations or what you've done, only how you are. Or how it affected you, at least. If you've killed a few people, robbed others, and escaped from prison?" His laugh was sarcastic, and he smiled, shrugging his shoulders "Far from being a problem for me! Nothing I haven't done, seen, or agreed with."
"But!? I promised Ramon, Fitch… "
The elder blinked towards him, puzzled by the statement "Promised what to Ramon?"
"Th-That…" A red hue took over the younger one's face, his eyes slightly wider amidst the swelling from his tears until then "That I wouldn't hurt you, and that I would love you and take care of you, but…" He sighed, visibly frustrated "I can't be with you if I'm a complete failure in almost all of those."
Almost? Fit raised his eyebrows. Be with you? The American really had no idea how the conversation between his son and the Brazilian went, but he certainly didn't expect such depth. It sounded like a super-protective speech from Ramon, and given the number of such conversations he had been given days before Pac disappeared, it probably was; just his only son worrying about his lonely father's well-being. Either way, he knew that Ramon loved the other regardless of what he could offer and eagerly anticipated having him around more often.
"Pac…" His name came out sweetly from his lips, followed by a sigh and a smile that couldn't contain itself much longer as Fit processed the weight of those words "Are you telling me that one of your concerns is thinking that you don't fulfil those roles because you w-want to be with me"
"O-of course" His face turned even redder "I would never just make Ramon think I want. I take both of you very seriously ."
"Ramon didn't tell me any of this, Pac." He reassured him, his eyes again moist and surprised, staring into his "Because he knows that even if you hurt me, if you didn't love me and didn't take care of me, I would still feel the same way about you as I do now. I would still do everything to protect you. And, of course, that's made him argue with me because Ramon doesn't want me to suffer, but you're far from someone who makes me suffer. Much… Much the opposite! I think I learned to be happy with Ramon, but because of, uh, his other father... We had a lot of problems and stresses, and for a long time, I don't think I was the best for him, much less the happiest. It was getting closer to you and Mike that started making me happy again, and getting to know you better is what really, really made me feel happy despite all the chaos we went through. I was strong for Ramon, Pac. But I only managed to be strong because of you , because you were by my side taking care of me.
"I-I was just… Being a good friend…"
"Exactly. You're naturally good with everyone, Pac. You did everything to find Walter Bob and Mike because they're your best friends. You consumed a drug to find its cure for Forever, because you couldn't stand seeing him suffer like that, nor the others suffering with him. You protected me in Purgatory, even though they tried several times to turn you against me. If that doesn't show how strong you are, and special, and capable of everything you imagine, I really don't know what else will be able to prove it to you"
In the depths of the Brazilian's eyes, his typical glow was beginning to emerge. The chilling, anaesthetising glow that made Fit do anything for him.
"D-do you really think so?"
It was automatic, the desperate way he nodded in agreement.
"I admire you a lot, Pac. You're the strongest person I know."
✧
Fit did everything he could for Pac when he became vulnerable in his eyes. He stayed by his side until a smile was predominant on his face. He walked him back home (in this case, to ChumeLabs' house) and wished him a good night.
Pac slept out of exhaustion that day because his eyes begged for rest, and his mental fatigue was immense. Fit, on the other hand, couldn't close his eyes even for a moment, easily alert with his heart racing at what seemed to be a direct confession of long-standing interest in a relationship. (He would say he already knew , but the certainty increased his adrenaline levels unimaginably. The feeling of mutual love was very new, and he didn't know how to handle it).
Obviously , everyone was concerned about the Brazilian, given the way he left the scene the last time he was seen. And the next morning, while Tubbo was tinkering with his heavy machinery, Sunny and Ramon were talking to the American, wanting to understand the situation.
"Was my dad sad?"
Fit clicked his tongue. His son didn't hesitate to call the other person "dad," even though "dad" was only used for extreme situations with him and his belated father Spreen. "Pac was sad, yeah," he tried to correct him.
"Uncle Pac looked really sad, Uncle Fit." Sunny expressed her sadness at the situation, vividly remembering his expression up close. "I don't like seeing him sad! He's so happy and lively; I want him to be happy again!" She crossed her arms, feeling frustrated. "Does money help?!"
The older man smiled gently, patting the top of the girl's head. "Unfortunately, I don't think money will help this time, Sunny." She pouted in response.
"Take him on a date."
Fit stared at his son with eyebrows slightly raised, and stuttered on the tip of his tongue. "W-What? R-Ramon!"
"Well, you said it last time! If he got upset, a date would probably make him happy."
(Actually, Fit had agreed with his son's suggestion to take Pac on a date if he got upset about things being taken from his storage in his absence).
"Ramon," this time his words almost came out through clenched teeth, as he crouched near his son to whisper, " I've never been on a date , I don't know what a date is, let alone one that will make him happy."
"You told me you had a date with him that day, and it worked out!" The boy grinned from ear to ear.
" Fofoca ?!" Sunny approached, seeing the two whispering. "I want to know too!"
"What kind of date would make Pac happy, hermanita ?"
The girl's eyes sparkled, and she immediately started jumping up and down. Fit brought his hand to his face, rubbing it in frustration - there was no escaping the antics of the two kids, so he hoped it would be good enough to actually make the Brazilian smile.
"No dungeons, no killing, nothing like that. No tea either. It might traumatise him again", he interjected, making sure that nothing would trigger him on that day.
"That's not a date!" The girl retorted. "I'm going to plan the most amazing date for you guys, and Ramon will help me!"
Perhaps it wasn't the best date, but considering that, despite stuttering a lot , Fit managed to invite Pac 'out,' and that he accepted (even with the few conversations, and all the unsaid things since that day, and all the sleepless nights), it was already a good date.
Sunny and Ramon, as keen enthusiasts of the couple since the word 'couple' didn't seem genuinely attainable between them, prepared the best for the two. But Fit couldn't opine on that, as his views on dates, according to Sunny, were far from being truly valid.
They gave a list of things they should do, which Sunny said they should strictly follow; otherwise, she would know and be very disappointed. Even if it was a threat from the mouth outwards, neither of them would deny it.
Tubbo stayed behind to take care of both children, convincing them that the best date for the couple would be one where they had privacy. Ramon easily agreed when told he could help in a new factory that the Brit was going to build.
The first destination on the list 'SUNNY’S PERFECT DATE!!!' (with perfect places for the duo's day) was the campsite near Baghera's grand snow castle. Coincidentally, one that Pac and Fit had helped to build (and specifically set up a tent together, but not that Fit still frequently remembers how their hands accidentally touched and how they lay side by side).
Sitting side by side in front of the campfire, the American avoided looking directly at his friend, overwhelmed by the thrilling sensations he got when close to him, now more than ever.
" Fitch? " The nervous tone quickly caught his attention. Pac was even more flushed than he was "Thank you for yesterday."
"H-hm? A-ah!" He scratched his neck, a smile on his lips "Haha, no need to thank me. I'm always here for you, Pac."
His lips formed into a pout "I know."
Ramon prepared a pack of marshmallows for them. Fit pulled it from his inventory "Ever had s'mores ?"
The Brazilian looked at him with puzzled eyes, shaking his head in denial "Only heard about it in movies."
"I've got stuff to make an improvised version of s'mores if you want. But it's fine if you don't."
The dark eyes shone, huge. He nodded in agreement "Sure! Sure, I'd love to!"
They didn't have chocolates, but they had marshmallows and sweet biscuits. Fit showed him how to skewer the sweet treat with wooden sticks in the best way. Always quick to learn, Pac quickly followed his lead.
Ramon was a genius. Fit would be eternally grateful to his son for giving him the immense delight in Pac's expression when he tasted the sweet for the first time.
"Pac?" With his cheeks full, the Brazilian looked at him "You were honest with me yesterday, I feel like I need to be with you too."
He shook his head before swallowing the sweet and licking his lips to remove the sugar "You don't have to. But I'll listen if you want to."
" Ahm ... Ahm... I, um , might have to whisper, for... haha... Fed ?"
Clearly nervous, he had to get closer to the younger one (who agreed, aware of how all places on the Quesadilla Island were overheard). His hand moved towards his ear, and his lips grazed near his lobe.
"I didn't come to Quesadilla for a vacation." His whisper was really low, almost inaudible.
Honestly, Pac didn't pay attention to a single word . His heart was beating loud, he thought probably loud enough for the American to hear. His lips parted slightly, and his eyes widened.
Fit stared at him, waiting for a response, after pulling back.
"I didn't hear that, say it again?"
Nodded in agreement, and leaned in to whisper once more "I didn't come to Quesadilla Island for a vacation, it was for other reasons." A bit more audible but still not quite enough.
The Brazilian sighed, a sideways smile before looking at him "Sorry, Fit. Your voice is too... hot- I mean- beautiful, I won't be able to concentrate." He grumbled, throwing himself to the side and covering his embarrassed face " Uugh ! Sorry! B-but it's... It's... you know?"
The bald man blushed, turned to the other side, and nervously chuckled "I'll tell you some other time! In that place."
"Or you could keep trying to whisper until I, I don't know, understand..." Raised an eyebrow, surprised. Still huddled, Pac let out a laugh before waving with the hand that wasn't covering his face "Just kidding! Not today, at least. I may not be strong enough for that... Haha..."
(Fit took mental notes.)
Taking a deep breath, the brunette adjusted himself, straightening his back and turning his gaze towards the fire ahead. Fit inevitably kept his eyes firmly on the face of the guy next to him.
"Fit?" The older man immediately grunted "hm?" in response. "How slowly do you think we should keep going?"
The bald man almost choked on his own saliva, nervously blinking his eyes. "Wh-why?"
"Usually stories can be slow-burn, but after so much suffering, they deserve a happy moment. Right?"
"Of course, Pac. You deserve not only a happy moment but a happy ending too."
Pac nodded in agreement. He settled on the log-made bench, getting closer until his arm was brushing against the muscular figure beside him. As if by magic (as always), the American's eyes gazed deeply into the black orbs.
The subsequent approach took seconds but felt like minutes with his attention focused on every detail of the Brazilian's face. Suddenly, their warm lips met his, contrasting and cold like the weather.
Fit was close to a heart attack. It was the only plausible explanation for his heart beating intensely with just a mere peck on the lips.
The brunette pulled back, his eyes wide with alarm, and stammered, "I-I, um... I'm sorry. I messed things up again."
The bald man shook his head in denial before placing his hand at the corner of the Brazilian's face, pulling him closer once again. Their lips met more intensely this time, with all the desire that had consumed him for so long, with a yearning that burned in his body and was never considered a vital necessity.
Love had never been anywhere close to essential in his life, but Pac easily made it a priority.
It was almost immediate the way both, embarrassed and not knowing how to deal with the sensations from their first kiss, "escaped" to the next destination on their journey - Starbobby , the most famous café on the Island. It wasn't Ramon or Sunny who attended to them (although personally, they really wished they could be snooping on their moment). It was Chayanne behind the counter today, making coffee for the customers, fortunately without Philza, otherwise, the encounter would easily become the cover story of the gossip magazine the following week.
Chayanne was the best choice to serve them, and as the kids took care of every little detail, he was called to do this small favour for them: go, take the orders, deliver them, and then return to his normal routine.
"You know I didn't prepare all this, right? I-I don't have that level of romance in me yet , at least."
Pac smiled, subtly tilting his head and warming his fingers on the coffee cup. "It's okay, I'm just really happy to be here anyway."
Fit nodded, as if denying it, because the reason he brought up the subject was precisely who had planned everything. He had no problem vocalising that he wasn't capable of doing certain things and liked to give credit to those who did.
"I mean, it was actually Sunny and Ramon who planned all this."
Pac's eyes lit up. "Really?" The other nodded, and the smile grew on their face. "That just made all this even more special."
"Um, and while we're at it," the bald man glanced at the table, a bit more timid about bringing this up, "what you said the other day... About the things you promised Ramon... I was curious, why?"
"Why I promised the basics for a relationship I intend to have with his dad?" The American's clear eyes even sparkled, with how quickly and fluently Pac suddenly put forth such formal words.
"N-not exactly. Um... How did you guys get to that?"
"Ramon asked me about you that day."
" Sooo about Fit... '" He mimicked the way his son usually spoke, and Pac burst into laughter.
"Exactly like that!" He laughed, teeth all showing. Fit smiled, grateful for the image. "I said we were good friends and that we had gotten closer but hadn't taken the next step yet." His cheeks reddened, and his gaze shifted briefly, looking out at the favela. "But the most important thing for me was... um ... his blessing."
"W-Wait," Fit blinked amazed at him, "y-you suggested it first, not Ramon?"
Pac's smile and nod this time were filled with pride. It was good to see him in another mood compared to how he was the day before. The bald man would dare (and appreciate) to think that a little of it was his doing.
"M-my intention, anyway, was to go on a date with you, right? And then everything kinda of went wrong... I... Look- I'm not the best with these things, everyone I've liked in the past has gone really wrong one way or another, and I... I just wanted things to go right this time, especially with Ramon. "
Fit smiled briefly, ears burning red, and heart beating fast. "Pac... Ramon really cares about you. I'd dare to say he loves you like family, maybe longer than I have. I... I've never seen Ramon call someone 'dad.' It's hard for him to even do that with me, and for me, that's okay, but he always calls you 'dad.' If there's someone who wants things to work between us, it's Ramon."
The brunet raised one hand, a big, emotional smile on his face. "And Pac!"
The bald man chuckled. "A-and... And Fit..."
✧
In a few weeks, Fit and Pac were officially dating. It was obvious . Honestly, everyone thought so before (the way they were always together, inseparable. The way they exchanged glances and fiercely defended each other), but now there were no reservations or hesitations. Fit proudly referred to Pac as his boyfriend, and Pac couldn't help but beam with big smiles whenever someone asked about his "boyfriend," or even when teasingly referred to as "his husband."
However, things were more or less the same. Maybe they had already established a routine as a couple even before confessing their feelings. The difference now was that Fit absolutely did not tolerate anyone hitting on Pac, and Pac intentionally made situations that could spark jealousy happen because he loved seeing his boyfriend pouting while chasing anyone who dared to flirt with him. (But the reverse also happened - Pac would get immensely jealous if someone insinuated interest in Fit, but Fit reacted differently, following him with bright eyes and a pouty lip, saying there was no reason to be like that - which was adorable and always worked with the Brazilian).
Pac, as usual, was the only awake dad for Richarlyson that time of the day, so he was out with him on the streets of the favela. Ramon, having miraculously woken up earlier than his dad, joined them. The three sat near the beach, the two kids playing at tables farther from the sea.
Smiling, the long-haired one approached, lightly tapping both heads covered with beanies. He glanced curiously at the table, where some flowers and pieces of them were scattered.
"What are you two up to?"
"Bonito né, pai?" (*Pretty, right dad?) Richas handed over a bundle of red roses, and Pac's eyebrows raised.
" Oh, fofo! O que é isso? " (*Oh, cute! What is it?)
Ramon nudged the older man's arm, smiling, and then his hand. Pac understood it as a signal to extend his hand, so he did. The little one's smile only widened as he was understood, and brought another bundle of flowers to Pac's extended ring finger. The roses on his were blue.
"Wow, you two are mini geniuses! How beautiful! Are you going to wear them?"
Both children immediately shook their heads. Pac alternated his attention between them, completely confused.
"This one's yours, Dad." Ramon pointed to Pac. "The other one is Fit's!" Richas proudly showed the finished one.
The Brazilian was overwhelmed by a mix of emotions at the adorable sight. His eyes, now even brighter due to his desire to cry, laughed, affectionately squeezing the Mexican child's shoulders.
"You need to stop calling me 'Dad' until at least the wedding , or your Dad will be upset."
The little one immediately disagreed. "That's not true. Dad Fit is always happy when I call you 'Dad.' And marriage is an invention of society; you're already soul-married."
The two Brazilians now stared at him with wide eyes, fascinated by the mature way he spoke. Then they exchanged glances.
"He speaks so nicely, doesn't he, Dad?" Richarlyson commented, delicately placing the ring on the table to clap. Ramon bowed in acknowledgment, making Richas burst into laughter.
"How can he talk like that? His intelligence is greater than mine and yours combined."
" Hey ?" The son looked offended.
"What?! You're eight; that's nothing. What about me, since I'm twenty-eight?"
"But then you're the one calling yourself names!" He laughed. Pac gave him a playful tap.
Purple particles appeared nearby, well within the view of the three. Pac and Richarlyson, in their typical dynamic, exchanged playful slaps and light wrestling moves when a deep voice sounded in the background: "Hey, where's my big boy?"
Ramon jumped and immediately hugged his dad's leg. The Brazilians stopped their playful tussle, but they didn't have time to avoid being caught in the act; the man held the boy's ear.
" Bom dia. "
Fit smiled at the two before leaning in to give Pac a peck on the cheek, immediately unravelling him into sweet laughter and a rosy hue. Richarlyson took the opportunity to escape and fetch the other ring.
The couple chatted in low tones about their plans for the day, more to figure out whether they would have to bake a lot of cookies today or if they had to schedule another visit to the Rebellion. The young Brazilian approached again, grabbing his future dad's hand and boldly slipping on the improvised ring.
The American raised his hand, similar to Pac before his arrival, and looked fascinated. "Oh wow! Is this for me, Richarlyson?" The child nodded enthusiastically. "How beautiful. Thank you very much. Did you see?" He extended his hand to his boyfriend.
Pac simply smiled from ear to ear as he turned his hand towards the other man, causing him to blush immediately. "Ramon made mine."
As usual on Mondays, the Brazilian suggested they visit the museum. Together, the family observed and commented on each artwork - Ramon especially excited, jumping and beaming widely when he spotted three pieces involving Pac and Fit, some with him, Sunny, or Richarlyson together. As usual, the Brazilian child laughed in awe at most of the artworks, a good portion of which inevitably depicted his parents (as it was easier to find someone on the island who wasn't a paternal or maternal figure for him).
Approaching the exit, Ramon and Richarlyson blocked their parents' path, leaving them side by side, gazing at them with confused looks. The little ones lifted their faces, staring at the museum's entrance. (In the background, Mike, Guaxinim, and Forever approached, smiling and joking among themselves. They probably sought the whereabouts of the shared child and went to find him. The couple didn't notice, trying to decipher what their children were trying to say.)
Pac nudged his boyfriend as his eyes found what fascinated the youngsters. Fit followed his gaze, staring at the little plants decorating the top.
"I told you to be careful; we could end up... like this," the Brazilian teased, with a sideways smile.
The duo had placed sticky traps all over the island, targeting specific couples. Every time, Pac joked for both of them to be careful not to be the victims - and ended up being the targets themselves (and it wouldn't surprise either of them if they found out that the Brazilian child was behind it).
Fit shrugged before leaning in and giving a quick peck on the brunette's lips. Ramon let out a sweet "Ahh!" fascinated, and Richarlyson laughed excitedly, jumping and clapping. Pac blushed completely, surprised by the bold move in a public setting.
The sound of hurried steps on the grass interrupted their locking eyes. Until the owner of the steps stood between them, a grin from ear to ear, gaze alternating between the taller men.
"Okay, now my turn!" Guaxinim teased.
" Eu vou te matar " (*I'm going to kill you), Pac said playfully.
"No way, Guaxinim. No fucking way," Fit replied seriously, shaking his head.
The kids, in a unison of "Uncle!" lightly tapped his body until he was away from the sticky trap and consequently away from the couple. They held back the meddling Brazilian, who kept teasing with whispers of "I want to join too! Let me be in the middle!"
"I'm going to kill him," the brunette said, a nervous smile on his face, whispering and blinking his long lashes in the direction of the taller man.
Fit chuckled nervously, his hand going to the younger one's nape in a caress. "It's okay, Pac. Let's go. Let's go."