Chapter Text
A/N:
So yeah, this is finally it. This is the end. No more updates (missed timeline or not) and no more stories added to this AU. I hope we took you on a comfortable ride and you enjoyed your stay with us.
Please check out my other stuff as well if you haven't and I hope to see you soon.
Bye :)
Epilogue - New Beginnings (3/3)
Morning came upon them like the Greeks upon the Trojan's. It came without anticipation and was ruthless when fully fledged. This time it came because the fubs woke up early, which meant Ray and Belle had to get up early to feed Finn and Ava properly and get them ready for the day. Quietly the family slipped from the den to take care of their own kids without bothering Brett and Eddy.
Eddy, however, already sadly woke up and was now stretching out. He wanted some time with the little one. The cervitaur looked over the little mound wall to look upon Taiyō, he stroked the top of his head lightly.
Brett was still dozing, or more like, really asleep now. He snored softly and didn't wake up when Eddy moved closer to the baby. The Baby however had his eyes wide open and was looking at the hand and man which caressed him gently. He saw the man before and it didn't hurt when he held him. But the other man with the long horn and the black hair was the one whom he saw most of the time. The little baby squirmed a bit, wanting to kick his legs but couldn't. Brett had tucked him in quite well so he couldn't move his legs a lot.
His face scrunched up and tears gathered in his eyes but the baby stayed silent. Crying wouldn't bring him anything except attracting predators which killed him. And he didn't want that obviously. Where were the red haired people he saw before? The one who spoke to him softly?
The tears rolled over his cheeks as he looked up at the man. His horns were so big and looked strong. Also they frightened him.
Eddy removed his hand carefully, "It's okay, you'll be okay."
He kept his tone gentle and soft, he knew not to be too loud or to make sudden movements. He knew well enough from dealing with Brett in his panic. It was a delicate situation, "It's okay, No one will hurt you."
He never knew how much children understood but they generally had a good handle on recognizing different tones. However, he knew touch was also instrumental for kids, it couldn't come from him right now though, so he put a hand on Brett's leg shaking it a bit.
Taiyō didn't understand the world. First he was getting soft caresses and now the man didn't want to anymore? More tears were flowing down his puffy cheeks. He stretched his tiny arms towards the frightening looking male. It seemed that although Taiyō was frightened he wanted more of those pets and skinship.
Brett just turned his head and huffed but didn't wake from the shaking. He was awake for most of the night so it was no wonder. Eddy knew he had to step up now, Brett wasn't waking up and Taiyō was reaching towards him. The child gave him mixed signals, since Eddy thought the little one was crying because of being touched. He wouldn't neglect the duties he held as the other parent. Without any more hesitation he picked the infant up, cradling him close to his chest, "You're okay, I got you."
He pet his back carefully, wanting to keep him the utmost happy. But the baby still cried silently. Still, he held onto a loose strand and occasionally sniffed at it. It was clear the baby wanted the closeness but was unhappy about something. The tears came slower and finally dried up. Taiyō closed his eyes and turned his head to the side, towards Eddy. Eddy cuddled himself close to Brett so the child could smell and see the faun, since he seemed more okay with Brett. He thought it would be best for Taiyō to see the both of them when he opened his eyes again. For now though he continued to pet the baby's back. He wondered if Taiyō was possibly hungry again. In that case he would have to find Belle, he had heard them leave just a bit ago.
Since Brett went to Belle maybe an hour after sunrise, the baby wasn't that hungry a bit, yes, but not too much. For now Taiyō was more than happy to be embraced in a gentle and warm hug.
Brett blinked his eyes open since Eddy moved fairly much and saw his mate and the baby cuddling. He smiled and wrapped his arms around Eddy's waist before pressing a kiss onto his shoulder.
"Good morning love. I see you have found a way to pass the time," he said groggily.
"Good morning dear, do you want to rest a bit more?" Eddy asked softly as he looked at Brett, he seemed tired. Eddy couldn't blame him for looking so exhausted, he had been up with the baby during the night. He would need as much rest as he could get, so Eddy would try to give him the opportunity to have some.
Brett hummed and nodded tiredly. He would love to sleep some more but somehow he didn't think that would be the case.
Taiyō opened his eyes when he heard the dark voice and looked around. His golden eyes fell on the man who cared for him and he stretched a hand out. Brett gently took the offered hand and stroked over the arm and cheek. His brain wasn't functioning well so he stayed silent. Talking was exhausting!
"He already likes you so much," Eddy wanted to fill some of the silence just so Taiyō could get used to his voice and to help him develop emotionally. It was best for developing children to hear sound rather than not, since silence could go hand in hand with neglect. That was something Eddy didn't want so he would make sure he would engage with the child vocally, along with his mate.
"Hmmm, he will love you in no time as well," Brett mumbled. He was too beat to actually start a conversation but he could engage a bit in it since Brett knew Eddy didn't do it to torture him but for the child.
Taiyō was listening to all the voices and blinked. Both of the scary looking men had gentle voices and so far he wasn't hurt.
"I am sure he will," Eddy kissed Brett's forehead then kissed Brett's soft lips briefly. He just wanted to kiss him, he didn't mind if Brett didn't kiss back. He needed his faun to relax and sleep, "Rest, love. I will take care of things."
He would hum if Brett fell into a slumber or actively wanted to fall asleep. That way Taiyō could still hear him but it would be more peaceful for Brett.
Brett nodded and seeked out Eddy's lips to kiss him too. No way he would waste an opportunity to kiss his mate! While he was tired, he was never too tired for that. The kiss didn't go long though since someone screeched loudly outside the den. It sounded like one of the kids who had fun.
The faun sighed. Well, he would take a nap later.
"Maybe we should go outside. I will reheat the food from yesterday and maybe you want to help feed Taiyō now? Only if you want that is. If not, I can do it too."
"I can help feed Taiyō as you reheat some food," Eddy would rather make Brett sleep but he wouldn't force his love to do anything. He just hoped he could get him to nap later. Maybe if he could prove himself useful it would show that Brett didn't have to worry and could rest.
The faun smiled and nodded, "Sounds like a good plan then," he got up and cautiously stretched. He was a big boy now so he couldn't just stand up and stretch to his heart's content anymore. He needed to be outside for that. And that was exactlöy what he planned to do. He turned to Eddy and looked at the baby, "Do you want to carry him outside or should I do it?"
Sometimes Eddy had some trouble getting out of the den and needed his hands to climb out; he didn't want his lovely deer to get stuck. But he also didn't want to rob Eddy of the time he could carry the little boy.
Last night he had a buttload of time to think about the what if's and he decided it was not fair to shield Eddy from the baby and potential harm just because he thought it was the best. It was a decision both had to make, even more so, mostly Eddy. It was not Brett's place to force the deer to go low contact with the baby 'just in case'. It would harm their relationship in the long run and wasn't really fair. He would talk to Eddy about that when he had a good nap so he was lucid again.
"I will carry him out since you are probably going to reheat the food. So I will carry and hold him," Also Brett looked half asleep, Eddy didn't want him to drop Taiyō just in case. He wanted to keep the little one safe. Eddy was the most awake because he slept more, so it was in his best interest to carry the precious package. He would stay close to Brett though.
If that was what Eddy decided on, Brett was fine. He nodded. He would go out of the den first though, so just in case, he could take the baby and Eddy could wiggle outside without the lump in his arms.
And that's how it played all out. Brett went first, Eddy followed - he did not need any help thankfully - and while Brett prepared breakfast for the big patchwork herd, Eddy went to Belle, wanting to feed Taiyō since he was opening his mouth a lot and gulping as if he was eating air.
Belle laid back for Eddy to be able to feed Taiyo. It was still strange being her brother, but less weird. Ray also wasn't as clingy when it was just Eddy doing so. He still watches however to make sure.
Brett watched them and nodded to himself. It was probably better to let Eddy handle the feeding for now. At least as long as the baby fox needed Belle's milk. Belle looked more relaxed, Ray didn't look like he would spring forward and rip Eddy to shreds and all around it was a calmer picture than if he was in Eddy's stead.
Brett stirred the pot and added a bit more water. Yes, he would talk with Eddy about that.
Eddy waited for Taiyō to be done, once he was, he gently drew the baby away. He held Taiyō close to his shoulder and lightly burped him. He made sure not to do it too hard. Only light pats and some bouncing.
Like the good baby Taiyō was, he burped and didn't spit on Eddy. The fox looked up and held his chubby fingers towards Eddy. He wanted to play with it or get his pats. He loved those. And in the bright light the man didn't look too scary. Actually he looked a lot softer so Taiyō was quite happy. He was well fed for now and he got clean diapers all the time and wasn't forced to lay in his own feces anymore. It was a good thing.
Brett just looked at the cute picture. He was so in love it was amazing. He didn't think he could love Eddy more than before but oh boy, he was wrong!
Eddy leaned his face down a bit to rub his cheek on Taiyō's hand, discreetly scenting the little bab to say the baby was theirs! He wanted the little thing to smell like him and Brett so people would know he was their kid now.
"You're so precious, let's go see daddy Brett," Eddy smiled softly.
Taiyō was a good boy so he gurgled in response and patted clumsily the cheek that was pressed against his chubby hand, "Gah!"
"Yeah?" Eddy chuckled warmly as he made his way to Brett to see how he was doing. He smiled as he came to Brett, "Let's say hello."
He giggled as he talked to Taiyō. The baby was basking in all that warm and friendly presence and let out another "Gah!", seemingly approving of Eddy's choice. It wasn't like the baby fox could run away on his own anyway.
Brett looked up and saw the most perfect being coming closer. Eddy with a baby in his arms was really something. Maybe they really should try for a magic baby? He wouldn't have anything against the practice they needed to do before the conception. Sadly - or more like thankfully - Belle and her family were still here so he couldn't just take Eddy right where the deer stood. Hmpf, but tonight they would do it! He would make sure of it!
The soup was happily bubbling so Brett took it off the heat and said to all, "Breakfast is ready you all! Come and grab a bite!"
Ray got up carrying one fub under each arm then stood up to come over. Belle stayed by his side, "Thank you Brett for making breakfast."
Eddy sat by Brett and kissed his cheek, "Why don't you eat first and I hold Taiyō then we switch. Or one of us feeds the other."
Brett chuckled and placed all the filled bowls in front of the hungry mob, "No, I can hold him and you eat and then we switch. You must be hungry with the two stomachs you have. I'm fine."
Of course he would love to eat the food but he also knew that Eddy loved his soup. The deer shouldn't be forced to watch other people eat. And Brett really didn't mind if he had to wait a bit more.
"Okay love, you can hold him for a bit. I will eat quickly for your sake," Eddy smiled at him. Carefully he offered his mate little Taiyō.
Belle watched them, she would offer to help but it wasn't wise to pass an infant around especially if one didn't know who the child was comfortable with.
"No need to stress yourself, Eddy. Just eat as usual, I will be fine," it wouldn't do if Eddy would have a stomach ache later if he ate too fast. While Brett was hungry, he wasn't as ravenous as Eddy so it was all good.
He gently took the baby and placed a kiss on the soft forehead. Taiyō was indeed so very adorable!
Eddy got himself some soup, he would try to not rush or stress. He wanted to take care of his lovely faun and now his lovely son. The need to do that was strong for him and very important to him. He loved them, which meant he wanted to do what was best for them. Love was both selfish and selfless. Selfless in the way of loving something more than one's self, but selfish in the way of wanting the same love in return and all to himself.
But alas, Brett would slow Eddy down if he ate too hasty. Yes, he had an eye on his son but also his lover. Eddy wouldn't gain anything except pain from this. So while Brett petted his son, he watched Eddy, knowing that the deer would feel his gaze and hopefully slow down. That was all he could hope for. He understood Eddy's need and wish to hold the baby immediately of course - he was the same - so he wouldn't scold him in front of their family.
The baby was just happy; he was well fed and in the arms of the big guy again and snuggled closer. His eyes fell shut and it was evident that he was sleeping. Now Eddy had no need to hurry anymore since the baby was already asleep anyway. Brett smiled as he saw that. Eddy's reason for haste was to make sure Brett ate too and didn't have to starve. He loved his man more than anything. Of course Taiyō would come first being an infant but Brett had his heart fully. Brett was his life partner. Nothing would change that for him.
Alas, Brett was a grown man and he could survive a few more minutes without food; he whispered to Eddy as much since he saw that Eddy sped up a bit. For Brett it was more important that Eddy ate at a normal pace than him getting food immediately. Eddy slowed when Brett told him to. Eddy was a very obedient deer, especially when it came to Brett. Whether it was for the better or the worse. Even after five years he was still learning that life was more than being an obedient cervitaur who did as told.
In this situation the faun was happy about it; it was for Eddy's well being but he knew it was wrong of him to force Eddy like that. He tried to suggest a lot more than telling Eddy something crystal clear, since the deer took some liberties with that and chose his action most of the time. It was a learning process and it was way better than before. It would probably take another 20 or more years - or maybe never - for Eddy to even say no. Eddy had a problem when it came to saying no, he more often shut down when he felt as if he didn't have a choice than saying no. It was a real problem but he was doing better now that he was in a better environment. It was still hard though.
Brett also gave him every chance to later speak about that so Eddy didn't feel oppressed. Sometimes it can't be helped, like this situation, and in other ones Brett didn't even notice, but together they were getting better at communication, verbally and non-verbally. And Brett tried his best to not let that escalate. He loved Eddy, he didn't want to destroy him. So he rewarded Eddy with a kiss on the cheek and a whispered "Well done, love".
The geep only whispered because of the baby, not because he was against praising Eddy in public. He even did that often and regularly.
Eddy liked the soft praises, they made him happy and made him feel as if he was doing something right. He liked to do things right, failure was very scary and he couldn't bear it. It felt like too much to handle, thus soft praises to assure he was doing nothing wrong comforted him. He continued eating the soup until he was done and could hold the little one for the geep.
Brett gave Eddy another kiss as thanks before handing the baby very gently and carefully over to Eddy. The baby was still asleep and he didn't want to wake him but he also didn't want to say no to Eddy now. The deer was so good he had to get a reward.
After the baby-maneuver was done, Brett loaded Eddy's bowl and hastily ate it. He had no problems with eating fast. Not like his sensitive deer.
After that was done, he refilled the very big bowl and held up a spoon for Eddy to take. He knew just one bowl wasn't enough for the two stomachs so he would feed Eddy now.
Eddy opened his mouth, being pliant, especially when accepting food. He was careful to make sure nothing dripped, they didn't need Taiyō to be burnt by a stray drop of soup. That would be awful! He could not allow that to happen no matter what! He was sure that Brett also wouldn't let that happen though so he wouldn't try to panic too much.
Of course everything went well with Eddy's careful acceptance of the spoon and Brett's agile hand. It didn't take long then the bowl was finished again and Brett filled it for himself. Eddy was fed, now the geep could take extra.
Breakfast was except for swallowing and munching a fairly quiet affair. Either the soup was so tasty it rendered everyone speechless or everybody was careful around the baby - whatever it was, Brett was happy about it. After everything was empty, Ray grabbed his kids and the dirty dishes and went with them to the stream; he was no freeloader and the kids could easily help. Also Ray wanted to reward them for being such quiet kids so they could scream and run around at the stream. Brett snuggled closer to Eddy and slung his arms around the waist, looking at Belle, "Can you give us a minute or two, please?"
"Yes, I can do that," Belle raised herself from the grass and went to join her family by the stream. Eddy watched his sister leave them, then he glanced at Brett, wondering what he was planning. He liked cuddles though so he was all for the soft touch.
"I wanted to talk to you about... yesterday and such. I am always honest with you and I fear I have hurt you with my actions yesterday," Brett took a deep breath and to buy himself more time, he kissed Eddy on the cheek, "Like... I mean, it's not that I want to have the small bean all for myself, don't get me wrong, but I egotistically tried to shield you from a maybe-possible pain without even asking your opinion on that. I ...," Brett took another deep breath. Apologizing was never easy but he knew Eddy had to hear at least an explanation, "I wanted to keep you from Taiyō, honestly. Not because I think you will be a garbage father or not good enough or something like that, but as I said, I wanted to shield you. I know you are prone to bonding to something - or in this case someone - very easily and if we had to give him away it would break your heart. So I tried to interfere with your bonding time with him. I am sorry for doing so."
Brett looked up at Eddy and one could see he was genuinely sorry about that. He wasn't pretending but he really thought yesterday that was the best course of action. But it wasn't.
"I will go into the village today and ask around if someone knows something. Just to make sure, you know? So we don't get any nasty surprises - hopefully. Can you please forgive me? I know I was an egoist and it was wrong. I know that now. I rethought everything at night so yeah..."
Slowly the faun's words were getting slower and softer until he stopped completely.
"I forgive you," Eddy thought it was simple, he did feel like he had to prove himself as a good parent the day before with his suggestion being turned down. Which was only one, and now Brett was explaining and apologizing so it wasn't a big deal. It was simple, Eddy thought. Brett was truly sorry so all Eddy had to do was forgive him. So he did. Eddy was a very easy going deer and it had to be something big to make him not want to forgive someone, "You can go into the village and perhaps we can speak with the Nøkken's partner since he is a hulder."
"I want to do both actually, so you can have all the time you want to bond with the small one. Also I noticed that Ray and Belle are more calm when you feed him. I think it makes sense to make you the milk-boy then," Brett grinned, glad that Eddy forgave him that fast. He didn't think Eddy would be a vindictive bitch about it, but it felt good that standing your man rewarded him with forgiveness - all he wanted right now. That didn't mean everything was forgotten, oh no. Brett would check his actions quite often so he didn't make the same mistake over and over again. That would be very harmful to their relationship and he would give Eddy the impression that he didn't care or listened at all. Because making a mistake once was an accident, making it twice was unfortunate, making it thrice was unforgivable. And Eddy really didn't need to put up with someone who trampled on his emotions and dignity.
"Only if you want of course. I don't mind that actually. Maybe I can even trade some of our healing salves for baby-stuff."
"I offered to do so yesterday so I do not mind doing so now that you have agreed. Also I think that is a wonderful idea to trade for baby stuff. It will be good to have things for Taiyō. I think it might make him happier to have nice baby things," Eddy hummed as he looked down at the sleeping infant. It would help raise the quality of living at least to have things prepared for the little one. And it was only practical to have such things. A baby needed special care and the village had special things for babies so it would absolutely make sense to have those.
Brett nodded, happy with the outcome. He looked down at the baby - their son for now - and smiled, "He is so calm and well behaved in your arms. That's a good sign."
"I actually hope he becomes more lively. The way he has learned to be quiet is unsettling especially when not very old," Eddy spoke softly as he looked down at Taiyō. Honestly it worried him a lot this morning when the boy cried silently. He hated that. He rather had a loud baby than one who has gotten so used to neglect that they didn't even cry. How would he know if something was wrong?!
"Maybe he is still too weak. I bet with our care and Belle's milk he will be back in no time and we will wish for the silence to come back. Only in the best ways possible of course," Brett kissed Eddy's cheek as they both looked at the baby. Yes, Brett was sure the little one would learn to cry for attention and when he was not happy in no time. He simply didn't have the energy at the moment. But they would fix that!
"Alas, when your sister comes back, I will head to the village. Looking and asking around and such. Do you need anything?"
"I don't think I need anything so it's all good," Eddy smiled softly, leaning over to kiss the tip of Brett's nose.
Belle came back with Ray and the fubs about half an hour later. It was better safe than sorry if you didn't want to witness anything. Plus it meant they had time to tucker out the kids so they would settle for a nap.
That timeframe Brett and Eddy used to watch their son sleep and simply cuddle. It was family bonding time at its finest and Brett even dozed off a little bit, making him almost into a whole being again, not some sleep deprived thing.
When the hoovesteps closed in, Brett opened his eyes, stretched generously and smiled at his mate, "Well, that's the signal for me to grab my stuff and run off into the sunset, eh?"
"I suppose so," Eddy chuckled with a little yawn, then smiled, "Be back soon love."
Belle continued on her way to the den to let the fubs enjoy a nap of their own and so their senses wouldn't be over stimulated by the sound of people. She needed to get them to nap or they would be cranky.
Brett gave Eddy a soft kiss right in his lovely face and sprinted to the den to hastily grab his stuff and was out before the fubs entered the den. He waved at Ray and Belle and ran to the village to get all the stuff they wanted, needed and obviously loved to have. They waved back and Brett nodded before vanishing between the big trunks.
Once Belle took the kids to bed, she came back to sit with Eddy and the baby. Ray lingered around but wasn't trying to be a part of the siblings' moment if that was what they were having.
"So, I hope I didn't interrupt anything," Belle said softly, not wanting to disrupt the baby's sleep as she came closer to Eddy and laid a head on his shoulders. Her dear brother always smelled like Brett and she wouldn't have it any other way. Both were good for each other. She was just so happy that her brother was now better than before. Way better actually. It was all thanks to Brett in the end. If that terrible thing didn't happen to the poor faun, maybe Eddy would be still in the herd, wasting away. Or he would already be dead. Either because the herd killed him or he would have ended his own life. Both were things she didn't want to envision; she liked her brother happy and alive, like he was now. So she had to be thankful for Brett.
"You didn't, Brett was just taking a nap," Eddy smiled softly at his older sister. She was always so sweet, he thought. But also very scary, that was probably because they were siblings though. However, Eddy was pretty sure Ray agreed with him that Belle was both sweet and scary. He looked back down at the little one with a hum, he really would have to thank the divines for the little thing.
"Ah, then I should have come back later. He looked like he didn't get a wink of sleep," Belle looked at her brother, delighted to see the warm twinkle in his eyes and the look of affection clearly painted in his eyes and on his face. Yes, the baby was indeed a godsend.
"I bet both of you will be the perfect father. He will have a wonderful home with you two. I'm really happy for you."
"I don't need to be the perfect one, I just hope to be a good one." Eddy could only really hope that. He didn't have the worst of dad's but he didn't have an amazing dad himself, so it concerned him that he would carry on some of the family habits. It scared him, "Belle, do you ever find yourself doing things that mom used to do?"
He asked softly, Belle seemed like such a good mother but he wondered if things like that ever came up.
"So far? Yes, some things. But not exactly the same. I mean, they wanted us to be good kids, only they steered away from that at some point. So yes, I am strict with the two, but never to their point of strict-ness, you know? More mild, much more mild. For instance, Finn was sneaking into the shed where Brett and I store the wine he makes. They are forbidden to go there and they knew it. So I told him to go swimming, you know he isn't the biggest fan of water right now, so yeah. I punished him but not hurt him in the process."
Belle thought it was an acceptable punishment since Finn smelled a bit thanks to his aversion of the month: water. But in the end, she didn't hit him or withdraw one of his privileges or lock him into a dark chamber in their den, like their mother used to do. She found another way to go around that. So somehow she was like her mother, with being strict with the rules, but in a non-oppressive, harmful way. Finn wasn't hurt by taking a bath. He wouldn't be scarred mentally by doing that.
"Does that ever scare you though?" Eddy asked ever so softly. It scared him; the thought of being like his father he knew, "How do you even find a healthy way to do it?"
He knew to an extent all families were dysfunctional and that to an extent was okay, the trick was on how to make it so the dysfunction wasn't traumatizing. This seemed hard to do.
"Well, I think back about how I felt and what that had done to me. Then what punishment I would see as such but in the end wouldn't mind that much. Hitting, locking away or something like that was never an option. But the children should have rules and when they break one, they are to be punished. But not by stripping away their sense of security, dignity as a being or scarring the body and mind. A sharp no is sometimes as effective as a hit. But one I would never subject my child to, you know. It's a tough balance," Belle admitted, reaching up to Eddy's hair and gently brushing back a loose strand, "But we can make our choice. We have no oppressive herd breathing down our necks. I think if we handle it as best as we can, we can only hope we do the right thing. Time will tell if we failed or not. However, my kids laugh, they smile, they are happy and don't shy away from our hands nor are they scared if they pass our darkest chamber in the den or when Ray or me lift our hands. So I think we do good."
Before Belle broke ties with the herd and family she was subjected to a lot of 'correction' - session which included basically torture. Starving, isolation, bodily harm. All that and worse. But seeing how willingly her kids came to her, how much they wholeheartedly smiled and how happy they were, she seemed to do a good job. Also Ray helped a lot since he came from a very loving background, "Eddy, I know you worry a lot, and that's not a bad thing. But so far, from what I see and how you are handling my kids, you will do great. You are soft but you can stand your ground, whether it be against Brett or the kids. You will find a balance. And if you mess up, you can always do better next time. Apologizing and trying to make up for it. Some people think, just because one is a child, they don't deserve an apology. That's bullcrap. Everyone deserves that. Will it make it undone? No, but now you can work together. Also I think you have a natural gift for raising a child. Both of you have."
She smiled and leaned against her brother again. It was good to talk about that; it would ease some of Eddy's fear in the best case scenario.
"Even children deserve to have their boundaries respected," Eddy added softly as he listened to Belle. He knew parenting wouldn't be easy, often the parents had to learn with their children. They didn't just magically know how to raise a kid, they learned how to. Sometimes it was wrong and sometimes it was right. He just needed to be open to improving. Eddy was very open to that because he didn't see himself as the be all, end all. He was just a cervitaur that was prone to screwing up. Eddy was unbelievably afraid of screwing up since he was always met with punishment from his parents or the herd. Eddy wished he had gotten over it being five years away now, but he wasn't. It was a deep rooted trauma so it was no surprise. Thankfully Belle left much earlier than Eddy and had more time to recover from that. Of course she feared messing up as well but she had to have faith in herself and her mate.
"Eddy, my dearest brother, didn't you forget something," she asked with the softest of voices, "You are not alone in this. Brett will be beside you, helping you, growing with you and learning beside you. Parenthood is an acquired skill and nobody can do it perfectly. Not Ray and I, nor our parents. We can only hope we do better."
She placed her hand on Eddy's arm. Sometimes she woke up, drenched in sweat because she had nightmares of turning into her mother, beating her lovely Finn or Ava with a hard stick. Or locking them into a chest like she was when she was naughty. Thankfully Ray was at her side, helping her with it. Belle doubted she would survive parenthood all alone.
"I guess so, I have a hunch Brett will be a good parent. Even if he has no parents to look back on, he knows what kindness is compared to cruelty. He will do well," perhaps because Brett had no expectations. Sometimes one could learn better if they had no expectations going in. Eddy gently pet Taiyō's head as he watched him. He wouldn't abandon this little thing so he would do his best to learn.
"And I have a hunch you will be an amazing dad too. You had the perfect example of what you shouldn't do, so it's easier to avoid those mistakes. Honestly, both of you are kind, warm and wonderful. I am very sure you will do great. And if you have any questions you can also come to me or Ray if you want. We will try our best. For all the kids in this patchwork herd, okay?"
Belle was happy with the conversation. It was only natural for Eddy to feel anxious. The baby indeed came a bit suddenly into their lives but Eddy would overcome this obstacle too. She was sure of it. The deer looked down and smiled. The little one was still asleep, breathing softly. What a cutie!
"Also I love the name you gave him. It's perfectly chosen."
"Okay, thank you. Yes, we chose it because of his eyes, they're so bright and pretty," Eddy cleared his throat a bit as he spoke. He was trying to take his mind off all his worries. He loved the little one and his patch-work herd, that was all that mattered. If he had struggles, they would be around to help him. That brought him some comfort. He took a few deep breaths to help him relax.
"Ah yes, wonderful. It is fitting for he is the joy and sun in your life - both of your lives actually," Belle was happy that her brother seemed to be ready to be distracted. It was never good if Eddy dwelled on his worries too much. She rubbed his arm to further help to calm him down. The glade they were in was mostly silent. Well, except the sound of nature of course. The kids were sleeping, Ray was obviously taking a nap as well and the siblings had all the time in this world to chat about everything.
"I agree that it's very fitting, he is very precious." Eddy spoke ever so softly. He made sure to keep a quiet tone so as to not disturb Taiyō too much. Although he hoped the sound of their voices helped keep Taiyō at peace. It was good for the little one to hear them. It stimulated the senses and allowed the child to know he wasn't alone.
And the little thing slept on like there was no tomorrow. He was probably too exhausted from the days before and also everything was new and strange. But at least he was safe for now.
Belle watched Eddy as he watched the fox and smiled. Yes, her brother was the born father, even though he was a bit feminine in the traditional sense. He would be a good mother as well. She leaned against Eddy and felt blessed. After they left the other realm, everything took a turn to the better and there was no end in sight. Something she greatly appreciated.
And so, time flew by and after a while, the fubs came back out, clearly happy they napped and not long after that, Brett returned as well. He had his bag full of stuff for the little one - and for Eddy of course, but the deer had no idea about that - as he saw the hustle and bustle of the kids. Thankfully they didn't scream or anything but they weren't silent.
The faun waved at Eddy and the rest when he stepped closer.
"Hello love," and then he added fake mockingly, "and the rest." His bright smile almost split his head in two as he let the bag slide down his back and put it in front of Eddy, "I brought gifts."
"Oh what are they?" Eddy asked although he was pretty sure it was just baby stuff. He was still curious about the things that Brett so happened to bring, "Did you get to talk to people?"
He was also curious about that because depending on the answers people gave, their parenting dreams may be ripped away.
"Yes I heard quite a bit, but first of all," Brett bent down to give his mate a gentle kiss on the cheek and then his son one on the forehead. The golden eyes were looking at him before Taiyō gurgled, happy to see the known man, "Well, here they are."
The faun overturned the bag and most likely everything one would ever need for a baby fell out. Cotton diapers, a rattle, some toys for gnawing for him, bottles for feeding, oils they didn't produce and have for taking care of Taiyō's angry red butt from the days before, more blankets and so much more.
It seemed that Brett was a good hunter for baby things if left alone. And the bright smile as well as the abundance of things he got signalled he had also good news for them - probably not for Taiyō.
"To cut things short and kids friendly, nobody will come to look for him. He can be adopted right away."
The faun looked at Eddy and signalled he would tell the full story later, when the fubs were out of earshot since of course they came close when uncle Brett came from the village with a bag.
Eddy let go of a breath he didn't even know he was holding, "Oh, that's great. I am happy that we don't have to give him up."
He smiled as he pet Taiyō's soft head, making sure to avoid putting pressure on his soft spot, "You did very good love."
Brett was a bit confused, was the praise for him or the baby? Eddy looked at the baby and patted him, not Brett! So who was he talking to?! But in the end, it didn't matter. The one thing that was the most important one was that everything would be all right with their little family.
The day moved on and Brett had no chance to whisk Eddy away even for only a couple of minutes to tell him what he found out, so it was already dusk - after dinner - when they settled down in their sleeping chamber, Taiyō securely put down in the mould they made for him. The baby was like a miracle. Not screaming, but he found his voice more and more, now happily gurgling whenever he saw Brett, Eddy or Belle's udder. Well, food was very important for babies so it wasn't that strange.
Brett settled down on the bed and yawned. He would take Taiyō to Belle in the night since Eddy took care of the feeding the whole day. The faun surmised it would be another restless night for him. But then again; it was for their son.
He leaned against the wall and looked at Eddy, finally alone.
"Do you want to hear the story I heard from the Hulder?"
"Yes, I think I would like to know what the Hulder told you," Eddy thought it was nice that the Nøkken was able to get his partner to speak to Brett. It was very nice that they had people all around them willing to help. Even if in the case of the Hulder and the Nøkken it was information. Information helped them take care of their little one though so it was very valuable.
"Well, first of all, as I said, nobody will come for little Taiyō because, to speak cruelly, they are all dead. A deadly disease wiped them all out. The baby was probably put in the basket on the stream as the fox-clan noticed something was off as the first of them began to die a gruesome death and instead of running away, they sacrificed themselves so their little one could float to safety." Brett didn't like to tell Eddy the gruesome details he got to hear from the Hulder about the bodies they found. A detailed explanation of the symptoms of the disease; from the beginning to end; that was what Brett was told from the Hulder. He seemed to enjoy talking about that, so Brett let him, but he quickly regretted that. All started, according to the hulder, with high fever, headaches, painful aching joints, nausea and vomiting, and a general feeling of malaise. Most of them died within eight days. But the time between the infection and the death was painful so to say. The most commonly noted symptom was the appearance of buboes in the groin, neck, and armpits, which oozed pus and bled when opened. The corpses were littered with those lumps. Fingers and feet turned black and the foxes had no feelings in them anymore. This was followed by acute fever and they vomited blood. Finally, they died. And the Hulder was fairly sure the diseased were all too happy to finally escape into death's arms. For Brett himself, he saw really no need to tell Eddy all that.
"Anyway, yeah. The little one isn't infected by the way. He would already show symptoms if he was and seeing that he has none of the Hulder's mentioned symptoms I think we can safely say he is healthy. As healthy as a malnourished baby can be. But we are working on the malnourished part."
The Hulder mentioned that the incubation period was around one day to seven and so far the baby didn't seem to feel unwell. Also the mother was healthy when she gave up her baby. Only a handful died of the gruesome disease, the rest killed themselves to prevent spreading this infection. Only the baby was now alive from that clan.
So, the faun pressed a kiss on Eddy's cheek and waited for the deer to digest that information.
"Is there a possibility of him being a carrier though?" Eddy asked softly, not wanting to die or those around him to die. Of course he felt bad for the clan but he was more worried about the creatures he knew than the ones he didn't know. He would properly respect the dead and hope to not spread the disease.
"The Hulder said no. And since they didn't use magic, but we can, it may not even come to us. They were very far away from us, so yeah. They came from outside the realm as you know. But the Hulder said we should bring him to a healer tomorrow and get him checked. Just in case, you know." Brett didn't want Eddy to be worried but he couldn't help it. He didn't want to lie to Eddy about that; the deer had a right to know since it also affected his family.
"If he is positive, we will get tested and treated as well as Belle and her family. That's why I told Belle to not leave with her family until we are checked. We are meeting the healer tomorrow after breakfast outside of the village. He comes closer to us so we will meet halfway. Don't worry."
"Can't Belle do that? She is a professional," Eddy slowly mentioned since that was common information between them all. He supposed that could be forgotten considering the whole idea of getting killed off by a deadly disease that could wipe people out.
"Oh my .... By all that's green and smells like grass, I have totally forgotten her. Urgh, I'm so dumb sometimes. Yes, yes of course she can do it. Even before breakfast. Thanks to every deity that you are with me and you are smarter than me," Brett laughed and startled the poor baby. Sheepishly he petted the little thing so Taiyō closed his eyes again and continued sleeping.
"We will do that with Belle tomorrow. Yeah. Damn, I'm dumb."
"I mean things are easy to forget when you realize that a disease could possibly wipe us out," Eddy smiled with a chuckle, "Why don't we sleep for now and hope for the best?"
He decided to make himself comfortable and sleep. He liked to sleep because sleep was good.
"Ah yes, sleeping sounds fine. I wish you a wonderful sleep and sweet dreams," Brett knew he would stay awake and only dozing for the most night anyway but he didn't want Eddy to suffer from the consequences of that choice.
He patted on his lap so Eddy could place his head there, "Oh man, I can't wait for winter when you shed your antlers. Then we can cuddle thoroughly. I mean, you look so adorable without antlers, and manly, buff and strong with them. So yeah. I like both versions of you."
"I like both too but not poking you with my antlers is a plus. I like not accidentally impaling you," Eddy giggled, he scooted over, laying his head down on the man's lap, "I love you."
He hummed as he cuddled happily. His eyes fell closed, feeling at peace with Brett.
"And I don't like being impaled. Also I love you too," Brett gently caressed Eddy's forehead and cheeks. He knew he had to wake up his lover at least once when he needed to feed the baby but he didn't think Eddy would mind. Tomorrow they would look and check for any potential serious issues with Taiyō as well as the illness but if everything was fine. Then nothing could stand in their way of being a truly happy family.
As the night progressed, Brett had to bring Taiyō thrice to Belle since the baby seemed to be a bit more hungry. It was relieving to see actually.
And so, another restless but unspectacular night passed.
First things first, Brett brought Taiyō to Belle, explaining everything to her before the others were up. She checked and smiled.
"He is all clear. Congratulations then Brett."
To say the Faun was the most happy he ever was, was an understatement. He bolted back to the den - of course he was careful with the baby - before almost crashing into the sleeping chamber and placing Taiyō in the mound. Then he flung his big old self onto Eddy and kissed him deeply. No way the deer was still asleep after that. Eddy's eyes snapped open, his brain coming to the conclusion he was being kissed but didn't understand why he was. Instead of asking or pulling back in that moment he pressed into the kiss. He wondered what had gotten into his faun. Something must have really pleased him and Eddy wanted to know what it was. Well, after they were done making out of course.
It didn't take long, only a few more hot and increasingly steamy kisses for the make out session to end because Brett backed up and grinned brightly at his mate.
"I got Taiyō checked and Belle said he is clean! So yeah. We have nothing to worry about. He will not be ripped away by other hands or a sickness we don't know about!"
Those were good news all around for Brett and of course Eddy. This was what they wanted so they would celebrate that!
"That's wonderful! " Eddy exclaimed happily, that was in fact good news to wake up too. It was even worth celebrating! He rubbed their noses together, as his ears perked up happily. This was all too good to be true. Fate really did have a hand on him it seemed.
And after that they had to endure it, it was high time! Brett was immensely happy and kissed Eddy one more time before finally and recalling backing up.
"Indeed. And now we will celebrate! I think we have a lot of vegetables in one of our cooling chambers so we will gorge ourselves. And maybe Taiyō will eat some more too!"
The faun couldn't help himself, he was too ecstatic. Their dreams were no longer dreams but reality, confirmed reality. Indeed, it was as if their dreams had come true. They could live together without fear of violence and without shame for loving who they loved. They had friends and family they could rely on, Belle and Ray's cute fubs now their own addition. A hulder who no longer had his clan, but would get to grow up and live being loved. Yes, it was everything and more that they could have wished for. Problems would still arise and they would still have to face their demons but they knew they always had someone to rely on despite that.