Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Scar knows he's a bit reckless. Always diving into things head-on and facing the consequences of dying and losing all his stuff. Though Scar would call that being brave, if no one else wanted to go in and be the pioneer for danger, then he sure would be! If it took the edge off his friends or made them laugh? He would put himself through a death loop just to make them feel better.

He would do a lot of stupid things to appease someone else, selflessness, it was his defining characteristic. No matter the height or the depth.

(He wondered where the line between selflessness and recklessness began.)

It was a couple days after Double Life had ended, and Scar had avoided most of his fellow hermits like the damn plague. It's not that he didn't want to see them! He was just… he was busy! He was very, very busy! Working on his theme park! He wasn't avoiding anyone in particular, no, not at all!

He especially wasn't ignoring the dull throb the bite along his left shoulder created!

Scar was a reckless person and a hopeless romantic with a big heart. These two things seem to mix at the worst of times, and with the worst possible candidate. Scar was hopelessly in love with his best friend, Grian, and sure they've had a couple flings before, but that was swiftly swept under the rug and forgotten about, deemed as something of a service for their respective heat and rut.

However, they've never come out of it mated. During Double Life, Scar had unexpectedly gone through a heat, which wasn't an uncommon occurrence, as the omega wasn't all that great with remembering dates. But what wasn't common or expected was Grian going through a rut at the same time.

And… well. After a few days of sweat and stench and sex, they had fresh bite marks on each of their scent glands. Grian spent a few hours freaking out about it, trying to go over the situation but ultimately not coming to any conclusions.

It was obvious Grian wasn't too keen on the whole mate thing, but Scar? When they had come out of their shared heat rut haze, Scar squeezed his eyes closed and celebrated so hard in his head he hoped it didn't bleed through the mate link they now shared.

Scar had such a humongous thing for Grian, so whipped for him. If Grian told him to jump off a cliff, he'd do it within the second. He has done it before. He'd do it over and over again just to see the satisfaction on Grian's face.

Scar hoped this meant something, that maybe their flings weren't just heat of the moment, caught up in hormones and the prospect of pleasure. Selfish desires of maybe this meant more, maybe Grian felt how he did. Of course Scar would be silently celebrating. From the first time they had sex together he hoped it meant something.

It was selfish, and Scar felt guilty about it after he did it. He wasn't selfish. He didn't deserve to be in the moment. Not when Grian so obviously was freaking out. Not when he could feel the Panic deep in his own chest. Ultimately, they had come to an agreement to keep it, as the process of breaking the bond was far too taxing on the body, and Scar had enough on his plate as is.

(Grian had made a joke about it helping keep Scar out of trouble and keeping him safe. Scar hoped he didn't pick up the way his heart fluttered in his chest.)

So, Scar was busying himself (he was working, not ignoring!) with his theme park. He stood in the center of it all and hummed a bit, leaning against his cane as his offhand was held under his chin in thought. The park was already beautiful, even if it was just a main street and about four buildings. This beautiful place needed a name!

He hummed, deploying his elytra and giving two strong mechanical flaps before flying around the park and looking at its progress with smiling eyes. He was so excited for this build, the image in his head becoming reality slowly but surely. Now he just needed something to call it!

He landed on the highest point on one of his buildings, looking about with a hand on his hip before suddenly everything was shrouded in darkness, a low rumble sounding from under his feet. Scar stumbled slightly, holding onto the flagpole as he slapped a hand over his mouth, eyes wide as fear pumped through him like blood. And from the way he could feel Worry buzz at the edges of his brain, he could tell Grian felt that too.

Who put a warden in his base?!

He breathed heavily as his world went dark, looking around with blind eyes, and slowly but surely, he felt around to try and escape the area. It would've been better to just stay put, but Scar's brain worked in mysterious ways.

He found the edge of the tower-like structure on the building and quickly hopped off, fanning out his elytra and touching down on a lower part. Unfortunately, the second he touched the cool oxidized copper, unbelievable Pain struck his side, and he let out a strangled gasp as he stumbled and fell.

All he could think about at the moment was the wave of pain that ricocheted off his left side, leaving him lying on the copper, immobile. At least the surface was cool, contrasting the hot pain that rippled through him. After a second, he slowly moved to crawl away, breathing harshly as he moved to get up on his feet, dragging himself a safe distance away.

He looked back to the little tower and sighed, sliding along the side of a vent and leaning his head against it. Oh, void… that could've been bad. His precious levels would've been lost!

He felt a buzz at his wrist, and he became aware of the Worry deep in his chest. He flicked his wrist towards his face and his communicator opened up to the main Hermitcraft chat, but there was a private message—a couple, actually—from Grian

Grian messaged you: scar? whats happening?
Grian messaged you: why are you in pain?? where are you?
Grian messaged you: if you dont answer me im coming to get you

Scar sighed inwardly, trying to keep the thrum of his heart from speeding up once more. He can't handle the amount of care the alpha holds for him. Grian was so good to him, even if the other thought he was crazy for believing so. Still, Scar was quick to reply.

You messaged Grian: Im all good!! Just found a little gift in my base
You messaged Grian: Who has the time of day to put a warden in a high tower >:(

Grian messaged you: lolllll ok then as long as youre not in a pit somewhere
Grian messaged you: need some help getting it out?

Scar felt his heart flutter at the offer, tucking his wrist close as he tried not to squeal like a schoolgirl. They both know how tedious a warden is, and Grian offered to help without as much as a complaint. He moved to text back, ignoring how his feet were kicking happily.

You messaged Grian: I think I got it! Dont worry about me

Grian messaged you: hmmm whtever you say. text me if you change your mind

You messaged Grian: Of course I will Gri <3

Scar quickly closed his comm, groaning into his hands. The heart was not necessary! Curse his dumb stupid heart, yearning and latching onto any and everything. Another buzz came from his wrist and he opened his comm like it was a suspicious package.

Grian messaged you: lmao ok. <3

Scar let out a sigh of pure relief, slumping against the vent behind him. Thank the void. He and Grian were still a bit rocky from the accidental mating. He's glad to know they haven't changed all that much.

He shuffled a bit, wincing harshly before rolling up his shirt, taking a peek at his side. He let out a disappointed hum at the size of the bruise on his side, gently pressing a finger into the stinging flesh. That's gonna be a pain to heal, all he has on hand is cookies.

He sighed and took a bite of one, moving to get up. He had to get rid of this thing somehow. He stood, giving himself a couple seconds of recovery before taking into the skies once more. He flies over to the tower, trying not to move too close. But of course, he miscalculated, and he only registers that burning pain for a split second before he's snapping his eyes open, the feeling of his blanket over him as his comm buzzed.

He groaned, sitting up as he dealt with the aches of respawn. His stomach turned a bit, and he let out a disgusting mix of a groan and a gag. He pressed a hand over his mouth and willed his stomach to calm down, surely respawn shouldn't have been that nauseating. But then again, he had been off of Hermitcraft for a while…

His code was just getting used to the server again. He found that to be a fair enough reason, as now he came back… you know. Mated. (Was that a normal thing with newly mated people? Who knows. He'll ask Grian if he's gone through any respawns lately.)

After a moment of briefly avoiding bringing his lunch back up, Scar got up out of bed, grabbed his spare elytra and some health potions just in case he ran out of cookies doing this, and moved for the door. First, he walked along the street, picking up stray items that had fallen when he died in the sky. He clipped his horn to his belt and pushed back stray hairs from in front of his face, tucking it back as he placed his hardhat back on his head.

He flew up back on top of the building, careful now after dying. He walked around and grabbed his things, putting them back in their specific places. He froze when once again darkness quickly swooped in and stole his vision. Slowly, he moved back near a vent once again, waiting for the blindness to dissipate.

He sighed through his nose, he needed to find this thing. He searched around the area, slowly of course. He did not want to go through whatever sickness respawn seemed to awaken again. Though, he eventually found himself back on the little tower on the rooftop, pressed against the lime glass of the window and sighing internally.

Yep. There it was. A hulking, slow-moving warden sniffing around in his build. His face fell as annoyance took place.

“Alan.” He spoke in disdain, already dreading the process of getting rid of him. The warden perked up at the sound, its large head tilting before it moved, its speed surprising as it raced up to the window. The speed made Scar yelp, and he lurched backwards and fell off the windowsill, tumbling off the building.

He opened his elytra and the mechanical wings launched out, slowing his fall into a glide as his feet touched the ground of the street he was constructing. He made an upset noise, like a toddler who was told to clean up their mess. A deep groan came from him, looking up into the sky for a moment of reflection, wondering if he deserved whatever the void threw his way to end up here in this moment, having to eradicate a warden who made home in his base.

After a minute of silently contemplating if it was worth the ache later, Scar was back in the sky. He flew back up near the tower, but let out a gasp as he felt the warden hit him hard, knocking him off balance and gliding back to the ground. He sat on the street and hissed as he rolled up his shirt, assessing the damage.

The answer was the damage was bad, definitely way too close to a respawn for comfort. He dropped his shirt and stuffed his face with cookies until he felt well enough to bend without pain. He stood, placed his hands on his hips, and took to the skies once more.

And only after seven more respawns to both Alan the warden and various mobs that poured out of his poorly lit base (seriously, he was beginning to hate his past self for this—) and vomiting not once, but twice, he dug up a couple sculk sensors and a shrieker as he was looking for more things to try and heal the ache that ran from his hips up to his chest.

He hung his head a bit as he took a deep breath. “I'm gonna kill whoever did this.” He grumbled, the merits of hermit pranking wearing off after his third death and first vomit.

So, he's decided to… take a little vacation from his base! A little wandering didn't hurt, especially on the Hermitcraft server, where there was always something breathtaking to see!

And after a short stop at Pearl's new business (he just had to sign up for the cleaning lady’s services! Have you seen his chest monsters? They're more like chest leviathans!) he had to turn his attention back to his base.

So, he sucked up whatever aches he was still feeling over his respawns, and got back to work.

After some hard labor and looking around the King’s Quests vault, Scar had decided to do some baking, to restock his little cookie shop! (He was doing it for the sweet smell of freshly baked goods! If he decided to make some bread to smell something close to Grian's freshly baked bread scent that was his business and his business only.)

But alas, after a few shulkers stuffed to the brim with Elven Kisses, enchanted and disenchanted, Scar placed them on his belt hotbar and made his way to his little cookie shop in the midst of his enchanted forest starter home. He paused a bit in his restocking, finding he had some Elven Kisses extra.

He looked around a bit, seeing as no hermits were nearby he stuffed a few in his mouth, letting out a hum of pure happiness, his pine scent spiking from his satisfaction. He's been having a sweet tooth lately, or… just more than average. So far, cookies and sweetbread were his number one go-to's.

He was sure it was fine, it's not like he didn't enjoy them before (though the sweetbread was a bit of a surprise, he didn't really eat much bread by itself. But he supposed there's a first for everything).

Alright. Back to building.

Chapter Text

“Scar?”

Scar yelped at the sudden call of his name, whipping around so quickly he nearly dropped his cane. The scent of fresh bread invaded his senses and he immediately calmed down, the scent of his mate easing any stresses and aches in his body.

Grian gave Scar an amused look at his fumbling, taking a step forward to take his arm. Scar hoped the shot of electricity through him was just his imagination (goodness, even Grian's touch was far too much for him to handle).

“Grian!” He squeaked out, laughing a bit out of both surprise and confusion. “Fancy seeing you here!” He fixes the position of the hard hat on his head as he smiles at Grian, giving him that large showman grin that hadn't quite left him from the earlier season.

Grian gave Scar a bit of a smile, his beautiful wings doing that little flicker Scar always caught it doing when Grian spoke to him. Amusement settled into Scar's chest like a warm cup of cocoa on a cold day.

“Yeah well, I'm here to see you. Nobody's seen you about, but your park has suspiciously gotten bigger and bigger.” Grian crosses his arms over his chest, looking up at Scar but his head doesn't move from its leveled spot. Deep obsidian eyes looked up at Scar through long lashes, the expression both unimpressed and expectant.

Scar hopes the spike of attraction he feels from just the gaze alone isn't felt through their link.

“What? A man can't have a passion project?” He joked, leaned a bit against his cane.

“From the buzz in my own legs, I can tell you haven't been taking any breaks.” Grian gave a cold stare before it morphed into concern. “You know working for a week straight with only sleep breaks is bad for you, right?”

Scar looked at Grian in confusion, “What? It hasn't been a week.” He turned his wrist to look at his comm. “It's— oh.” The bright August 2nd on his comm seemed to laugh at him.

Grian just slowly nodded, “Been exactly a week, yeah?” He finished Scar's sentence for him. He makes a huff noise. “Now, can you take a break? I can literally feel your legs aching.”

Curse the mate bond. Scar sighed. He shifted to leaning against his cane some more. “I will… right after I finish this building— I promise!”

Grian seemed to light up a bit when Scar began, before groaning when he realized it would be much harder to convince his mate to take a break. “Scar.” He frowned, shifting his weight to be leaning forward.

Suddenly, he smiled. Scar felt his heart speed up at the sight. Grian tilted his head at Scar, humming a bit before taking his hand. “I know what'll help you take a break.”

Scar blinks down at Grian, letting the other pull him along. Though, he suddenly realizes what's happening when Grian turns for his apartment. “Grian.” He starts, his hand squeezing the other's. “Is sex all you think about?” He teases.

“Yep.” Grian jokes back, hopping up the stairs into the half finished apartment. “I'm ignoring building my base, and you need a break.”

“So you decided to make sure I don't walk today, got it.” Scar sarcastically rolled his eyes.

“Hey, this is me doing you a favor, yeah?” Grian turned to look back at Scar. He waved a hand in the air dismissively. “Heat and rut aside— I'm helping you. So, rules still apply.”

Right. Their ”we're only having sex to help each other out” rule. Scar's smile seemed to tighten ever so slightly. “They sure do, in its own little roundabout way, but still.”

Grian points up at him, even though his face is stern, Scar can feel Grian's Amusement creeping up his chest and into his throat. “Don't you get lippy with me.” He pushes open the door to Scar's room (or, more so, a barren place to sleep) without looking.

“Just let me get my mouth on you.” Grian huffs, pulling Scar close as they step inside. Scar lets out a happy hum, tilting his head back as Grian immediately goes to nip at his mating bite.

“Oh, no fanfare~? How scandalous!” Scar teases, and the bedroom door is kicked closed behind them.

A breath slowly eased out of Scar's tired lungs, his body heavy with fatigue, both mental and physical. His breath fanned across Grian's dotted skin, the alpha sound asleep in Scar's sheets. Dryly, Scar thought it was ironic Grian was the soothed one here.

Scar pressed his cheek against Grian's upper arm, tucking his face into Grian's side and taking a large breath, his stresses smoothing out at the frayed edges as sweet fresh bread invaded his senses.

It didn't hurt to use his alpha’s scent to calm down his mind. So what if the alpha was indirectly causing said racing thoughts? Not his circus, not his monkeys.

Grian was more so the ringleader of this circus, and Scar was the poor acrobat on a thinning wire. So, they were Grian's monkeys, not his!

Ugh. Why was he thinking about monkeys? His brain was so fried from sex, talk about a mind melter.

No matter. Scar needed to get up, finish his building. He promised Grian he'd take a break but… he took another deep breath of fresh bread, and pushed his face deeper into Grian's freckled arm.

He didn't want to get up. He wanted to stay in Grian's hold, he wanted to fall asleep in his arms every night. He wanted this stupid stupid mating mark to mean something!

Tears pricked at Scar's eyes, and he grumbled into Grian's side. He curled up against the alpha, feeling his abdomen tighten and roll uncomfortably. Great, his period was close. Just what he needed.

He was emotional, he was messy, and he needed to put some space between him and Grian, just so his thoughts could settle. He slowly slipped from Grian's side, pausing as Grian's face scrunched up. He quickly grabbed his pillow, rubbing it against his scent glands before placing it in Grian's arm.

A second was spent in tense silence, before Grian relaxed, pulling the pillow close without an issue. Scar released a breath of pure relief, he pulled himself up and reached for his cane. He winced as he got his feet under him.

He's definitely going to have to down a potion or two. But right now, his poor neglected passion project was calling his name.

Scar pulled on some clothes, though he made a face as he tugged at his shirt. Was his shirt this tight around his waist? Surely not…

Maybe he washed it wrong. It wasn't the first time he messed up something as trivial as laundry. He just sighed, tugging off the shirt and tossing it back into his overflowing shulker box of clothes. He grabbed a new shirt, making sure it was less constricting.

He hobbled his way through the hall, nausea stabbing at him like a weapon. He groaned to himself. Can his period be any more dramatic? He made his way to his bathroom, just to check.

No blood yet, but honestly his periods were irregular anyway. It could take a few weeks before there was any sign of red in his liner. Scar drew a breath through his teeth. Great, that means he'll have a very nice experience with PMS.

Enough period talk. Scar disgruntledly made his way out the bathroom and to the door. Life doesn't wait just because of some biological disadvantages. He'll take a health pot and go on with his day. He's got a park to build.

Grian messaged you: scar? where are you?

Scar briefly looked down at his comm, guilt creased his eyebrow but he focused on the side building he was creating. His comm buzzed once more. Despite his head telling him not to look, he lifted his wrist once more.

Grian messaged you: cmon scar… you promised

The guilt began to stab at him like razor sharp spears, gutting him and stealing the air from his lungs. Scar quickly covered his comm, pressing a button on the side and muting notifications.

He loves Grian but… he needs to get this done. He's nearly finished.

Scar held his stomach, falling against the side of a building and nearly vomiting up his lunch. Ugh… He rubbed at his chest, a burning sensation crawling under his skin and threatening to crawl up his throat.

His period hasn't been this bad in… well, ever. Maybe mating caused this… he instinctively turned his comm up to open chats, and—

Grian's untouched messages stared at him like a cracked mirror. His eyes guiltily looked towards the date. August 10th. He hadn't talked to Grian in a week.

Well, yeah they spoke in person, but it was empty conversation, passing hi’s and brief conversations about how each of their bases were coming along.

Scar felt guilty talking about how well Scarland was coming along —the name was perfect, wasn't it?— it felt like salt in a wound, he broke a promise he had made… sure, he's broken promises before, in Life games. But this wasn't one of those.

He was honest, caring. Out of everyone, Grian was the last person he wanted to break a promise with.

Yet, here he was. He lowered his wrist in shame.

He took an unstable step away from the brick wall. He'll apologize, once he finishes this building.

A tiny fist flew at Scar's face. The omega easily caught it with a laugh, waving the pudgy thing around, “Now what do you think you're doing with this little missy?”

The chubby baby in front of him squealed, flailing about in her highchair. A blend of mush food sat in front of her, Scar's other hand holding a spoon full of the stuff.

“Are you all done eating, missy? Hm? Is that why you're trying to beat up your poor momma?” Scar chuckled, leaning in to place flurries of kisses to her cheeks. That caused the child to squeal louder, peals of laughter leaving her like birdsong.

“Come on, let's get you all cleaned up.” He lifted his beloved baby with an exaggerated groan, making the child giggle and reach for Scar's face.

Scar quickly took her hand, “Ah ah, no poking momma in the eye.” He placed his hand back on her back, minding the little fluffy downy wings that stuck out against her pajamas.

He made his way down the hallway, the bathroom door open at the end of the hall. He bounced his baby girl, a large smile appearing on his face as she let out squeals and bursts of laughter, belly giggles escaping her in rolls. Scar felt so at ease, his pine scent sweetening the air like an air freshener.

He was almost in the bathroom, eager to give his little life a bath to get all the sticky food of breakfast off her.

There was a hiss behind him. His eyes widened.

“NO!”

Scar jolted up in bed with a gasp that hurt. His whole body felt like it burned, but he can't focus on that right now. His baby, his life. He had to make sure she was okay!

Panic ran through him like blood, he tried jumping out of bed before his knees just buckled under him. A gasp tore through his throat, his head slammed into the footboard of his bed. He let out a groan, a hand lifted to feel his forehead with a hiss through his teeth.

Right… right. His mind was coming back to him. He accidentally fell asleep while working on his park. A creeper must have found him. All of that… everything was a dream.

He didn't know if that made him feel better or worse.

He pulled his fingers away from his forehead, sighing when he found red smeared across them. He shifted on the ground, leaning off his bed to reach his cane. He's gotta grab a health pot now.

He flicked his wrist towards his face, squinting with a grunt as the bright screen assaulted his eyes. After struggling to get his eyes open, he finally took a moment to look at the screen.

2:47 AM, August 12th. Scar winced at the time, sighing. His eyes wandered the screen. A few hermits had messaged him, but since his notifications were still off, he didn't realize he had gotten them.

Grian was the most recent, sent only a couple minutes ago. Scar's brow creased. Shouldn't he be asleep at this inane hour? Then again, it's Grian. He practically thrived at these hours.

He let out a sigh, hauling himself up off the floor. An arm subconsciously curled around his middle, pain and extremely uncomfortable discomfort swirled under the skin. He's got cramps, nausea, and a gash in his forehead. He's going through respawn aches, and he might cry if he has to look at his comm for any longer than two seconds, still feeling so many emotions from his imaginary baby induced panic.

He'll message Grian back… tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Scar sat down against a Main Street bench, stripping off his high-vis vest and throwing off his hard hat. He was finally finished with the strip of buildings, shops, and the center hub (that was beautifully decorated, thank you very much!). It honestly wasn't that much work, and it had been so long! It’d taken him weeks to build it!

He just felt so tired, he slept so much recently. And he still has to go out and dig up some diamonds to pay back Pearl for her chest monster cleaning service. He whimpers at the mere thought, like he was a child who was overdue for a nap. He doesn't want to mine, he wants to sleep forever!

And to top off all of the bone-dead tiredness he feels, he has to pee. Like, an absurd amount!

A buzz comes from his wrist, and he sluggishly lifts it up. Grian messaged him, a short thing, asking if he was feeling alright. Scar simply sighed, slumping more on the bench. He quickly tugs at his shirt, which rubbed his chest the wrong way and sent shots of pain down his torso. He rubbed at his chest with a soothing hand before replying to his mate.

You messaged Grian: Yeah I'm alrighttt
You messaged Grian: Just REALLY tired

Grian messaged you: you should take a nap then

Grian's reply was near immediate, like he had been waiting for Scar's response. It makes Scar feel warm and loved, knowing his mate cared for him.

Though, he quickly snaps out of that thought. Of course Grian cares about him, they're friends! Weird friends that fuck each other kinda regularly now, but friends nonetheless!

Nevermind that. Scar responds after a second of cooling down.

You messaged Grian: Yeah but ive been sleeping aaallll day
You messaged Grian: All WEEK
You messaged Grian: Plus I have to go mining to pay back Pearlo T^T

Grian messaged you: a full plate i see lol, i can come with so you dont fall on your ass

You messaged Grian: G!!! SUCH LANGUAGE!!! but yes pls :(((

Grian messaged you: roger roger

You messaged Grian: My names Scar :/

Grian messaged you: i will change my mind rn

Scar snorts at the message, finally putting his comm away. He lets the moment settle, looking up to the big blue sky just to take it in. He takes a deep breath, and he can practically smell each and every flower in the hub by the way it invades his nose. He lets out a sneeze and quickly sits up.

Diamonds can wait, he's gotta piss right now.

Scar holds onto his hat as Grian touches down in front of him, a large grin on his face as the alpha flutters his wings into a closed position. Grian raises an eyebrow at Scar, a small smile appearing on his face at the sight of Scar's.

“Why so cheery for? I thought you didn't wanna do this.” Grian jokes, crossing his arms over his chest.

Scar fixes his stance, placing the hand on his hat onto his hip, “Oh, I don't!” The smile stayed on his face as he spoke, the tone remaining as cheery as ever. “I'd really rather be sleeping in my— room.”

Grian can not know he made a nest out of his bed. Hell— Grian was the bird here! If anything, he should be the one making nests!

Grian snorts, uncrossing his arms, “I told you it'd be completely fine if you took a nap.” He shakes his head, making a soft tsk-tsk sound as he does. Scar merely sighs, his smile softening.

He's always astounded at how quickly Grian calms the live wire that was his brain. He's been feeling so unstable on his feet lately, both mentally and physically. Thankfully, right now it was only mentally, even if he was tired.

Scar lets out a breath. “Yeah well, these diamonds aren't gonna collect themselves, are they?” He hums, his smile sharpening into something playful once more. “Now come on! I have something to show you!”

Grian hums at that, “Yeah, I was wondering what we were doing all the way out here.. do you realize how far we have to travel if we die— Scar? Scar at least pretend you're listening!” Grian exclaims as Scar jumps down a hole in the ground, a shrieking laugh escaping the omega.

“It's a secret mining ground!” Scar calls, sliding down the ladder at alarming speeds. Grian simply falls down the chute once Scar reaches the bottom, using his wings to slow his descent as they reach open cave.

Grian looks around and suppresses a sigh. “Have I ever told you how reckless you are?” He speaks, though the fondness in the tone fails to disappear, lighting up Scar's insides like a fresh breath of air.

Scar merely looks back at Grian with a cheeky grin, “Oh, all the time, mister! It's quite the staple in my personality!” His tail flicks with the mischief in his voice, adding its own flare to his words.

Grian sighs, his arms dropping to his sides with such a fond smile it makes Scar's heart flip. “Scar..” He mutters in that familiar tone, near exasperated but so unbelievably enamored he couldn't help it. Scar's got more of those recently, it’s almost embarrassing how quickly it melts Scar like hot butter.

As if Grian’s words had put a spell on him, Scar nearly stumbles over his own cane. Though, really it was because he wasn’t paying attention to where he was walking. Distracted steps plus using a cane is generally a no-no.

Of course, Grian laughs at Scar’s misfortune. It’s practically expected in their relationship; if one of them falls or does something particularly embarrassing, the other is guaranteed to laugh at the other’s expense. Scar simply scoffs, righting his footing and sticking his tongue out at Grian.

“Oh, very professional.” Grian speaks in a flat tone, rolling his eyes as Scar just deepens his childish expression. “Come on now, let’s grab your many diamonds you owe Pearl, yeah?”

At that, an actual pout forms on Scar’s face, “Well don’t say it like that, that makes me seem like I can’t pay her back!”

“You can’t.” Grian brutally cuts in, though he lifts a finger, “But we’ll work on that right now.”

“Have I ever told you how much I love you?” Scar speaks, before freezing. Fuck, he didn’t mean to say that out loud!

Thankfully, the avian only seems to snicker ahead of him, not even looking back to catch the deer-in-headlights look Scar has on his face. “Oh, all the time.” He teases, turning down a strip of the mine. “Now come on, those diamonds aren’t going to mine themselves!”

Scar rolls his eyes, though he picks up speed slightly to catch up with Grian, “Alright, alright! You take the right, I take the left!” He exclaims, turning and getting to work!

“Scar.” Grian starts, sounding as though he was holding in a laugh, “That’s the right.”

“I knew that!” Scar speaks, promptly making a sharp turn and moving for the left side. Grian unabashedly let out a cackling laugh, shaking his head before moving over to some stone to stick his pickaxe into.

It was fairly boring, just mining stone and looking for some shiny rock. A bit into mining, the two started up a game of marco polo, just to see how far the other was. After a few hours of the work, Grian forced Scar into a small break, sitting next to him and leaning against the stone with a hum.

“Do you think if you didn’t join the season six server…” Scar starts, a yawn pulling from him and interrupting his words, “That we wouldn’t have ever met?”

He’s not sure what he’s saying at that point, just so tired his brain destroyed his filter. Grian looks at Scar in almost concerned surprise, but when he saw Scar was simply tired, he relaxed. He hums slightly, like he was thinking it over.

“Well… I don’t know. Maybe we would’ve met at some point. Do you think… They would’ve still dragged you into games?”

Scar makes a wordless hum that borders on a grumble, eyes closing. Grian looks over and simply huffs in amusement. “Right.” He teases, looking back to the stone in front of him. He feels Scar rest his head against his shoulder, and he can’t help but place his cheek against his brown curls.

“I think it would have just delayed the inevitable. I mean, we’re pretty glued at the hip, no? Mating beside, anyway. It’s like with Mumbo… I don’t think I could imagine my life without you in it now.”

He lets out a humorless chuckle, eyes flicking over the grooves of the stone in front of him. “I mean, we’ve been in each other’s faces since we’ve met, that’s gotta be some universe stuff, right?”

He looks down at the head on his shoulder, and catches Scar’s expression. Completely relaxed, pickaxe and cane draped against his lap without a care. His mouth was even slightly ajar. Grian huffed in awe.

He was sleeping… really, Grian shouldn’t be so surprised, Scar did say he was tired. Though, he didn’t expect the other to fall asleep so suddenly and without warning.

“Scar…” Grian murmurs, shaking his head softly. “What am I gonna do with you?” He speaks, and it almost surprises him at how soft the words come out.

“Danger magnet.” He speaks, moving to loop his arms underneath Scar. He doesn’t hide the adoration in his voice this time, a sticky sweet feeling of Joy settles against his sternum and hugs his heart.

After waking up in Grian’s bed with a chest full of diamonds in it (a note with the words ”youre welcome — G” written on it), Scar had dropped them off at the cleaning lady’s residence. And after that had taken a quick detour to a few shops (and maybe spending his last bit of diamonds on a luck game, his poor empty pockets), he dropped off his Hotguy tape to the King’s Vault. He was very sure he was going to be accepted with how amazing it was!

And after such, he went back to his base, worked a bit on his build, before having a eureka moment and deciding to make a redstone machine to help with his abysmal habits. Just a quick trip to his redstone shop!

Though, he quickly learned he was completely out of stock. He sighed deeply, grumbling to himself as he flew out on his mechanical elytra wings. Of course he had to go stock up on redstone of all things, just his luck!

Thankfully, it didn’t take too long (it doesn’t matter how he got the redstone, all that matters is that he has it so it’s his now). So, now that his shop was full (mostly), he got to work on a storage!

It took an abysmal amount of time, but Scar got a good chunk of it done before he needed to go lay down for a while. His body felt like it was running on low battery, which usually wasn’t very different from normal. Just now it felt like he was also walking through water.

He’s had to make a quick change once, he actually ripped his pants, which was ridiculous! He hasn’t changed clothes sizes since he was in school! So, he had to run back to the apartment to grab a new set of pants. He even changed his shirt, why not? He was already there. Though the shirt was rubbing at him all wrong, it was basically necessary to change.

Plus, he was still getting random bouts of nausea, which he was riding through like a champ. He’s found himself snacking on any fruit and bread he could get his hands on, even having a quick snack bowl ready at the side of his bed.

He snuggled into his nest like a guilty pleasure, letting out a sigh of relief as his body relaxed against the soft fabrics. Though, he shuffles, eyes scrunching up in discomfort. He sits up, frowning a bit as he lets the dizziness of the action simmer down.

He was hungry, which isn’t normally an issue, but right now he didn’t want what was in his bowl. He wanted Cub to make him some bread.

So, he pulled himself out of his comfortable nest, sliding out slowly like he would see it for the last time, and slipped into something comfortable. Some slippers he had been given as a gag gift, they felt heavenly on his feet, which made him sigh in pure Joy.

He pulled on his elytra with ease, and once he made it outside his apartment building, he took to the skies for his best friend’s humble abode.

“Cub!” He called at the base of his own tree, hopping down to where Cub resided. The hermit in question made his way over with a confused expression, though there wasn’t much difference in the way his face shifted, Scar just knew how to read him after the years.

“Scar.” He spoke, a hint of the confusion spilling into his words, “What brings you over here?” He asks, though moving out of the way so Scar could barrel inside.

“What? I can’t visit my best friend anymore?” Scar makes a huff sound, a pout on his lips.

“Of course you can,” Cub responds without missing a beat, following Scar inside, “You just sparsely do.”

“Well, today’s your lucky day!” Scar exclaimed, though he paused. He makes a sheepish grin, “Though I did want to ask for something—”

“I knew it.” Cub immediately cut him off, letting out a long sigh, “I’m merely a tool to be used—”

“Nooooo!” Scar immediately whined, moving to throw his arms around Cub, “I love you so much, I promise!”

Cub pats at Scar’s side with an amused chuckle, “I know Scar. Love you too.”

“You promise?” Scar pouts very exaggeratedly, and if Cub looked closely, the sheen of unleashed tears shined in his eyes.

Cub sighed, “Yes, Scar. Sit down, you’ll hurt yourself.”

“You have to promise back!” Scar’s arms tightened around Cub, his pout deepening.

“Scar you are insufferable— yes, I promise, now sit down—”

“Great!” Scar practically flew back to his seat, grinning up at Cub with a mischievous smile. Though, he blinked a bit, “Wait, what was I gonna—”

“You wanted a favor.” Cub spoke, wiping down his shirt. He was out of his lab coat for once, now in some comfortable pants and a short sleeved shirt.

“Right!” The elf clasps his hands together and his smile returns, “I was wondering if you could bake some bread for me?”

Cub blinked at the request, and his face twisted up in a mix of concern and confusion. “You do know my baking skills border on poison, right?”

Though, his best friend merely nods, “I know.” The sentence doesn’t even faze him.

“This is concerning Scar, do I need to call Xisuma? Or, void forbid, Grian?”

Scar only groans, slumping back in his chair with a whine, “I really want some of your bread! Please, I promise I won’t ask for it again after! But I can’t nap until I have some, and I really wanna take a nap!”

The other omega throws his hands up, a sudden spike of saltwater invades Scar’s nose past his burnt smell of pine. “Woah—, alright, alright, I’ll make you your danger bread, okay?”

Scar lets out a little sniff, wiping his eyes slightly and nods his head. “Thank you…” He murmurs, setting his hands in front of him now that Cub turns to make a batch of fresh bread.

He sighs at himself slightly, did he really just almost have a breakdown in Cub’s kitchen over him not wanting to potentially poison him? He frowns at himself, wanting to be angry, but when he can hear Cub make his commissioned bread, his brain happily sets those feelings aside for the promise of Cub Bread.

After preparation, Cub sits down beside Scar, “I hope you know this is gonna take a few hours.” He hums, raising an eyebrow at Scar.

He merely scoffs, rolling his eyes, “Cub, I sell baked goods, of course I know how long this will take.”

Cub throws his hands up in mock surrender, though there’s a playful smile on his face, “Okay, sheesh, just reminding you.”

The two settled into content conversation, catching up with one another and making ridiculous commentary. After a good bit, Cub got up to properly get the bread going in the oven.

“I’m telling you right now Scar,” He begins, placing the bread in to bake, “If this poisons you, you’re the one who begged me to make it for you.”

“Yes yes I know, hurry up and put it in!” Scar watched excitedly from his seat, his tail making a quick pap pap pap sound against his thigh from his emotions.

“Has anyone told you how weird you are?” Cub asks, closing the oven door and making his way back to the table.

“Uh! Stones and glass houses buddy!” Scar exclaims, tilting his head with a big smile, “Besides, I prefer the term eccentric.”

“Hey quick favor, spell eccentric for me.”

Scar makes a wordless shout, leaning over to hit Cub’s side, who has the audacity to lean away and laugh. “Mean! So mean to your poor best friend! I should hand you over to the king!”

“I yield, I yield!” Cub speaks, though he doesn’t sound apologetic in the slightest.

“You better!” Scar laughs, kicking his feet happily, his tail whipping around like mad. He loved hanging out with Cub, maybe he should go back to the days of being conjoined at the hip…

“We should handcuff our hands together one day, see how that goes.” Scar casually suggests, like he was talking about taking a walk later. A normal person would definitely be appalled by the suggestion, but Cub looks at him with a greatly amused look.

“I would rather not get in the way of your mate escapades—”

Scar shrieks at the mention, reaching over to try and commit battery on the other omega. Of course, Cub only laughs, “Oh come on! Don’t tell me you’re willing to put a pause on whatever you and Grian got going on—”

“I will leave forever!” Scar threatened, pointing at Cub in an accusatory way, “You will never see me again!”

“Oh please don’t,” Cub says, but it lacks any genuine sympathy, he simply finds it funny. “I couldn’t bear it.”

“You’re a bad person, Cub.” Scar crosses his arms, rolling his eyes. Though, as always, a sweet, fond smile warms his face.

Cub makes finger guns at Scar, making soft pew pew sound effects. “Right back atcha.”

And soon, after waiting for the bread to bake, Cub pulled it out of the oven. And as usual, it looked monstrous, deformed and sad. Cub’s pretty sure he added too much of something to too little of another.

Though, all Scar saw was the solutions to all of his problems at the moment. He impatiently watched Cub wrap it up, his tail having a mind of its own as it whips around in wild directions.

The second the packed up atrocious bread was in his hands, Scar let out a happy squeak, stomping his feet happily.

“Thank you so much Cub! I love you so much— I’ll pay you back, promise!” Scar quickly got to his feet, nearly tripping over his cane before Cub rights him.

“Yeah don’t sweat it, try not to faceplant on a root.” Cub pats his back, leading him towards the entrance.

Scar huffs with an eye roll, “This was my tree first, you know.” He stuck his tongue out, but smiled as he got his elytra ready for take off.

“Bye Cub! Thank you again!” He shouts as he takes to the skies, en route to his beloved nest.

Cub waved as Scar’s form grew more distant in the sky, a terribly fond sigh leaving him. “Strange little man.” He shakes his head, and turns back into his cozy hand-me-down home.

Chapter Text

Scar pressed flutters of kisses against his dear baby’s cheek, making the chubby skin push in and squish against her mouth. She squeals and bursts into laughter, the rosy color her face had taken on in the cold brightening her eyes.

“Do you like the snow, little missy?” Scar asks, setting the baby into the wintery white just outside Main Street. She reached over to shake a flower beside her, snow falling off it and making her erupt into another laughing fit.

Scar can’t help but laugh with her, gently brushing snow off of her covered wings. “Yes, you love the snow! Just like your momma!” He watches his darling baby excitedly fling snowflakes around.

“If only your papa liked snow this much.” He whispers to her, but there’s a frustrated grumble behind him. He turns his head with a grin, watching Grian fluff up and try to keep all his body heat from seeping out.

“Papa likes keeping his sanity.” The avian grumbles, a big grumpy frown on his face.

Scar simply laughs, much to Grian’s frustration, “Oh, but she loves it! Don’t you, missy?” He picks up the chunky baby, her rosy cheeks matching her cherry-red nose now. She lets out a confused chirp as she’s picked up, mitten-covered hands waving about in the air.

Grian’s expression melts like butter, and he reaches his arms out for the baby girl. He sets her against his hip, bouncing her slightly as he does. He looks over to Scar and his face contorts into confusion.

“Scar?” He speaks, his hand patting their daughter on the back, just below her wings.

“Yeah?” Scar responds, wiping snow off him.

“Scar, you awake?”

“Mmwha..?”

Scar’s eyes blearily opened to the concerned face of Grian, who was crouched beside him. He looked around in confusion, a worried noise escaping him, “Where’s little missy…?”

Grian’s look deepens, “Missy? Who’s Missy—?” He quickly shakes his head though, “Nevermind— do you know where you are, Scar?”

Scar blinks heavily, where was he? He could see the Scarland buildings behind Grian, so he slowly pushed himself up (was he lying in the middle of Main Street?) and answered.

“Scarland..” He muttered, rubbing the back of his head. When he pulled his hand back it was sticky with a dark substance. Scar confusingly looked at his fingers, what was that?

Grian shoved some meat into Scar’s hand, “Here, eat this. I’m pretty sure your legs just failed on you.” Scar looked at Grian in confusion, and his mate just smiled a bit, “Mate link, remember?”

Oh. Scar nodded a bit, biting into the meat and humming happily as the delicious taste bloomed on his tongue. He could already feel the ache in his head fade away.

As he happily ate, Grian sat next to him, his concerned look not going away but relaxed some, “How long have you been working, Scar?”

Scar hummed around a piece of meat, swallowing before speaking, “Uh… there was the other streets, garbage unit… A week? Two? What’s today?”

Grian’s concerned look only worsened, but when Scar asked him what day it was he opened up his comm. “It’s October 2nd.”

Scar hummed, biting into another piece before gasping, nearly choking as he rushed to get up. “Shit!” He swore, stumbling on his feet.

Grian quickly followed him up, holding onto his arm, “Careful!” He shouts, and Scar can’t linger on the smell of burnt bread in his nose before he moves for his apartment, “I’m late! I’m sorry— I’ll be back, promise!” Grian made an incredulous shout as Scar took off.

He landed in his apartment window, quickly climbing inside and throwing off his clothes, pulling on his Hotguy costume as quickly as he could, pulling on his leg braces so he wouldn’t have to worry about a cane. He growled in frustration as he tried to pull on his belt, but it would not buckle, no matter how hard he tugged.

He let out a frustrated yell and threw the belt across the room. Forget the belt, it wasn’t that essential anyway! He pulled on his bow and quiver and took off through the window once more.

He landed at the crastle and his knees nearly buckled upon landing. Okay, maybe the braces weren’t the smartest idea, but he’s already late! He shakes it off and heads in, going through the memorized route to where they were meeting.

“I’m here!” Scar calls as he drops down into the room, his knees once again nearly buckling when he lands, which earns three pairs of concern from the other members.

“You okay, Scar?” Cub asks from the opposite side of the room, Scar simply waves him off.

“Of course I am! Now come on, let’s get on with it!”

Ren looks at Scar a bit too long for just a glance, and he can smell the peppermint in the air from the other. Scar suppresses a scoff. He’s perfectly fine! Why were they all looking at him all weirdly?

“Well!” Ren begins, his royal persona falling back into place, “As you can tell, we are short a member. Our beloved Bdubs, he could not attend because of private matters.”

Bdubs’ heat had come a day early, so he was most likely home with his mate Etho. No wonder the two hadn’t been seen for a bit.

The meeting passed in a blur, Scar felt like his brain was moving through sludge. When it was his turn to present his assignment to the king he didn’t respond, too in his head to register he was being spoken to.

“We’ll get back to Scar next time!” Ren spoke, which finally snapped Scar out of whatever trance his brain locked him in.

“What?” He speaks, blinking at Ren, “What did you say?”

“Just wrapping this meeting up! You’re free to go.” Ren gives a dramatic hand flourish, motioning him, Cub, and Cleo to leave.

Scar makes a confused face, but moves for the exit anyway.

Cub caught up with Scar as they were leaving, grabbing onto his hand before the other could fly off. “Are you sick?” He asks, in a very straightforward manner.

“What?” Scar pulls his hand from Cub’s looking at him in confusion, “Why would I be sick?”

Cub lets out a sigh, “You didn’t look good back there, Scar. You were spaced out, we called your name a couple of times and it didn’t even look like you heard us.”

Scar pursed his lips. He really didn’t hear them. What was wrong with him? Just earlier he couldn’t tell his dream from reality and made a really embarrassing remark to Grian, and he sat through the very important meeting like he didn’t have a brain.

“Scar!”

The elf jumped out of his thoughts at the sound of Cub shouting, blinking at his best friend owlishly. His expression only showed concern, his saltwater scent nearly burning his nose.

“Really, are you feeling sick? Don’t lie to me either.” Cub frowned, his lips tugging downwards with pure concern.

Scar bit his lip, sighing, “Not recently? It actually just went away.” He speaks, hoping that would soothe his best friend’s frayed nerves.

Unfortunately, it did the opposite. Cub took his arm in his hold, looking at Scar seriously, “What do you mean not recently?”

“I mean not recently! As in, I’m not feeling sick!” Scar pulled his arm from Cub’s grip harshly, a flash of surprise showing on the other’s face before Scar continued. “It’s not a big deal—”

“Like hell it’s not!” Cub interrupts, eyebrows furrowing, “How long have you been sick for?”

“None of your business.” Scar growls, his burnt pine scent filling the area like a forest fire. His comm buzzes against his wrist, but he doesn’t look at it.

“Scar,” Cub starts, his tone almost irritated, “I’m trying to help you—”

“I don’t need helping!” Scar pokes at Cub’s chest, his lip pulling back with a snarl. “I just have bad days sometimes, I don’t need to be fixed.”

Cub’s face drops in surprise, eyes wide before it curls into pity, “Scar, that’s not—”

“No.” Scar cut him off, sharply turning, “I don’t need pity. Don’t follow me.” And on that note, he jumped into flight, pushing his elytra wings as fast as they could go to get away from the crastle.

With every second he flew, the wetter his eyes became. Why is he crying? He and Cub disagree all the time, even if the topic was stupid and it shouldn’t have been an argument to begin with. Cub just wanted to know if he was okay.

What’s wrong with him? There’s something seriously wrong with him. This is so stupid, he’s so stupid!

Like he was on autopilot, he didn’t normally turn for his apartment. When he saw the rocks that made up Grian’s base, he dived for the place. When he landed his knees finally buckled under his weight.

He fell right on his face, into the moss underneath the rock bridge. He lay there for a moment, processing what just happened before pushing up on his arms. His shoulders shook, his vision blurred, was he crying?

Without meaning to, he let out a gasp mixed with something so close to a cry. This day is stupid these braces are wrong he’s being so stupid and wrong he’s stupid and wrong—

“Scar?!”

Scar’s head lifted at the sound of Grian’s voice, seeing a blur of color swoop down and land in front of him. He couldn’t see past the tears in his eyes, he could feel them run down his face and leave stinging tracks.

He watched the blob that was Grian get closer, get down to his level. His ears were ringing, he could hear Grian talking, but he couldn’t make out what was being said.

His shoulders shook harder, the static in his ears peaking and he couldn’t take it anymore. He heaved a breath, sucking in a few fast breaths before the air in his lungs rushed out with a loud sob.

He’s so tired, he’s hungry, he’s confused he’s angry he’s sad he’s so stupid!

“No— no Scar, you’re not—” Grian’s words somehow seeped through the sirens in his ears. Oh good, he said that out loud.

He felt hands settle on the sides of his face, gentle thumbs swiping just under his eyes. When did his eyes close? No matter, he couldn’t bear to look at Grian right now. He’s all wrong.

A gasp squeezed through the sobs wracking through him when he felt lips press into his cheeks, wet eyes blink open just in time to watch Grian lean in and kiss the tears off of his opposite cheek.

“You’re not stupid.” Grian’s voice was leveled and serious, he turned his head to kiss a new tear that fell. “And you’re not wrong.”

Another kiss was pressed into his face, and Scar’s breath hitched once more. He leaned forward and pressed his face into Grian’s comfortable sweater, the fabric feeling like relief against his stinging face.

Grian’s arms wrapped around Scar’s frame, holding him close and holding the back of his head. He felt a weight against his back, and it registered a bit late that it was Grian’s wings. Scar turned his head up to look at Grian, his body shaking sobs calming into soft hiccups and sniffles.

“Do you wanna go inside?” Grian murmurs into his ear and Scar can’t help the way his head begins to nod. And before he could even rethink his answer, Grian scoops him up so fast he squeaks, quickly wrapping his arms around Grian’s neck so he doesn’t fall.

When did Grian put an arm under his knees? How did he do that so fast? This seems like cheating. But, when Scar feels Grian hold him a little closer, he has no other option but to melt like ice in water.

Scar felt every step Grian made walking into his rock cathedral. It was half finished, but there was a room just off to the side that Grian turned into a nest. Scar couldn’t help the happy hum that left him at the sight.

They settled against the soft fabrics and Scar melted deeper into Grian. It felt even better than his own! He knew he was missing something, he just didn’t know what.

But now… he knew. He was missing Grian.

The alpha didn’t let go of Scar, holding him close and sweeping a wing over him. Scar would’ve flushed if he wasn’t so damn tired. So, he just snuggled deeper into his mate, murmuring something incoherent before sleep took hold of him and refused to let him go.

During the next couple of weeks, Scar worked on the interiors of the buildings he had built, traversing the aches and weird hunger pretty well.

Multiple times while working on the builds, he found himself stopping to either take a break because he was suddenly hit with dizziness, or because he felt a hunger need so intense he had to stop and fulfill it.

His beloved Jellie also kept weaving between his steps, getting in the way of his progress and meowing at him defiantly. Scar only huffed though, gently scooting her away, “Jels, I just fed you, I can guarantee your bowl is still full!”

Scar turns back to the supplies at hand, intending to continue the interior he was working on, but his comm buzzes at his wrist. He lifts his wrist to check, and he bites back a groan.

It was Ren, wanting a Knights of the Square Table meeting (the table was a rectangle, by the way). And he wanted it… Scar squinted at the details of the message. He wanted to meet in the Nether?

His stomach churns, most likely from anxiety. The Nether is dangerous… he wasn't sure about this, for some reason death still ached for him, more than it usually does, anyway. Hell— he even began lighting up his base! When does he ever do that?!

But, even with the anxiety making his gut go haywire, Scar put his hard hat and high-vis vest away and started for the nearest portal.

After a very nerve-wracking trip (even though their Nether travel was as safe as they could get it, Scar still felt weary about it), Scar landed at the designated meeting site.

“Hello, drama troop!” He called playfully to Cub, Bdubs, and Cleo, leaning against his cane. He wasn't wearing his Hotguy attire, but he had the bow and quiver slung over his shoulder. (He couldn’t quite fit into it anymore from all the hunger splurges, curse his love of skin-tight suits.)

“Oh, drama troop, lovely.” Cleo voiced, her arms crossed against her chest.

“Are we allowed to veto this name or what?” Bdubs spoke up, an eyebrow raised that had Scar snickering to try not to laugh.

“Oh, absolutely not. That's us now.” The lone alpha quipped, chuckling under her breath as Bdubs loudly disagreed.

Scar lets his laugh go as the two playfully bicker, though he does quickly wave a hand in the air, "Okay— okay okay, so we're having a meeting, right?”

The three in front of him nodded. “So… where's our king?”

“Oh, he's most likely on the roof.” Cub hums, not that phased by the statement.

Scar paused, blinking. “The what.”

“The roof of the Nether.” Bdubs nodded along, gesturing a hand like it would speed up Scar's thinking process.

“We…” Scar paused, his brain felt like it was chugging at low speeds. “We have access to that?” He looked around in confusion, wondering if the others had finally—

“Oh, here it is!” He spots a sign giving directions to the roof and laughs, gesturing for the others to follow as he takes the front of the group.

The meeting was quite brief but nonetheless exciting, it was to construct various mini-games to protect the vault of the server’s diamonds. He got to make a mini-game to kill Hermits! That was basically what Hotguy was all about! Besides Ren looking concerningly more pale, that was mostly all the meeting had to offer.

Oh, and if they succeeded in making an impenetrable vault, they split all of the server’s diamonds, which Scar was very interested in.

Before he could leave back to the overworld, Cub stopped him. “Hey, can I talk to you for a second?” He asks, Scar could tell he was a bit nervous.

“Of course.” Scar turned towards his best friends, eyebrows scrunching in slight concern. Cub takes a moment to gather his thoughts, his fingers slightly tapping together as a nervous habit. “I’m sorry about how I acted last meeting. I shouldn’t have accused you of being sick before you could even explain yourself.”

Scar’s concerned face melted into a sweet smile, shaking his head and cutting in before Cub could continue, “No, Cub… it’s alright, I shouldn’t have yelled at you. It had just been a rough day, and I’m pretty sure I smashed my head on Main Street right before that.”

“Ah.” Cub hums, slowly nodding at the information, “That explains a lot, then.”

Scar laughs, reaching over to playfully shove Cub’s shoulder, “Yeah! So, don’t sweat it.”

“We’re cool now?” Cub speaks, his own small smile on his face. Scar threw his arm around Cub, squeezing him a bit with a laugh.

“Oh dude, we’ve been cool. Don’t even have to ask!”

After a week of work, his room in the impenetrable vault was built up, and of course, the thing that would defend it was Hotguy himself, determined to reign terror upon the Hermits of the server! Especially now that he fixed up his uniform, now it actually fit him again.

It was the day of the King’s Challenge, and Scar felt almost queasy as he stood next to Ren, up on a pedestal with the rest of the knights. Ren started up his dramatic speech, and Scar took a moment to just breathe, it’ll be alright! He’ll have some fun shooting down his fellow Hermits!

“Citizens of Hermitcraft!” Ren begins in his regal fashion, arms outstretched over the crowd of Hermits below them, the red cape being pushed back from his forearms. “I welcome thee to your king’s most impenetrable vault, mega mini-game event of the century!”

He completed his sentence with a flourished bow, Bdubs letting out an affirmative exclamation beside him. The crowd of Hermits in front of them were mostly silent for a moment though, scattered woo’s echoing across the group.

Ren let out a huff, his arms falling to his side, “Very enthusiastic crowd we’ve got here.” Sarcasm dripped from his words noticeably, Scar couldn’t help but snicker.

The king rolls his eyes as hermits erupt into laughter, but clears his throat once more to signal quiet. “In today’s challenge, it is declared by the King that it shall be as so; if you manage to defeat this mega mini-game, as known as The King’s Most Impenetrable Vault, I will step down as king…” Ren pauses for a moment, and the royal medieval flare in his voice drops as he continues, “And everything goes back to normal.”

“Oh thank goodness,” Grian immediately spoke up in the crowd, a hand placed on his chest from the relief of Ren’s statement. The hermits behind him immediately erupted into cheers, hyping each other up for things to be rid of the King’s influence.

Scar couldn’t help but laugh, looking over to his side to see a frown on Ren’s face, but he knew it was all theatrics (most of the things Ren did was) and he was excited to see them all play a few games together.

Bdubs swooped down to land in the crowd of people, “Alright, come on, let’s get the show on the road!” He ushers the hermits to follow, the group settling down a bit as he does.

“Places, everyone!” Ren tells the knights, like the theater nerd he was. Scar quickly nodded, making his way to his section of the vault. The nerves had eased away, excitement taking its place very swiftly.

Cub’s section was up first, watching all the Hermits run about and die a bunch to his best friend’s genius put a mischievous smile on Scar’s face, watching through little windows and tubes and balconies. It only amped up Scar’s excitement, his pine scent spilling out like water.

He could feel Grian’s Amusement settle in his chest, laughing as the alpha knocked Pearl into lava. The bond only made him more excited and happy, feeling not only his joy but his mate’s as well.

And after very, very easily taking down Bdubs, Cleo’s room was up next. It was a parkour version of Red Light Green Light. Scar sat beside Ren as Cleo explained the rules, and immediately dropped TNT on Jevin when he tried to go through the parkour while she did so.

Scar lets out a little chuckle at the sight of Grian ducking behind the stair rail to not be caught in the blast, his feet slightly kicking as he grinned.

“You over there giggling about Gri?” Ren whispered towards Scar, leaning towards the omega. “You’re not fraternizing with the enemy are you?” He joked, voice low as Cleo’s voice boomed out colors overhead.

Scar looked down slightly at Ren, humming as he looked away, a light tint of pink brushing over his cheeks, “Of course not, my king.”

However, Scar kept finding himself watching Grian as they progressed through the room, even missing a few shots with his bow (most of them landed though, naturally). He was just so… attractive. He can’t lie, watching Grian put on a serious face in his concentration did things to his stomach.

Though he didn’t have much time to dwell on that further, the hermits were swiftly progressing through the room, and before he knew it, they made it to the next door, the wall dropping down in front of them into the next chamber.

As Bdubs droned on to the group, Scar jumped up to scramble into place, passing through the little path to his volleyball platform, Ren along with the other knights following.

The first to pass through the door was none other than Grian, which really shouldn’t have surprised him. He gave a grin to his mate, watching the other make an exasperated sigh at the sight of him wearing a way too short crop top that rivaled a bra and matching mini shorts. Yeah, he made a quick wardrobe change on the way. “Well hello there!” He called, unhooking a horn from his hip as the other hermits poured in.

“Scar, put some clothes on!” Grian exclaimed, sounding just as exasperated as he looked.

Scar let out an uncontrollable giggle, but quickly pulled the horn to his lips, making its horrid sound ricochet across the room. “Dear rebel of Hermitcraft!” He begins, looping the horn back onto his hip.

“You have entered Hotguy’s Thunderdome of Carnage!” He raises his arms in a moment of theatrics, little bits of laughter floating around the room. Scar grins, and his arms fall. “That was pretty dramatic, wasn’t it?” He reaches up to remake the bun of brunette hair that had fallen over his shoulder in his theatrics.

“Anyway!” He continues, flawlessly finishing off his bun, “You have to work your way through this map! Finding target blocks to progress! Uh— yep, find your way through it, and uh…” He stalls for a moment as he readies his bow, arrow against the string.

His grin is downright malicious as he lets the first arrow fly, burying itself into a hermit, “Don’t forget to load your respawn point!”

Shouts erupted in the group, and they immediately took off, running in different directions like headless chickens. As they got to the first door, the many exclaims of “are you serious?!” made Scar laugh, loading arrow after arrow as he watched his shots connect again and again.

It gave him a weird kind of joy, he’s not quite sure where it came from, it felt different than his usual love of mischief. It felt more… red related. But that was impossible, he wasn’t on any of Their servers anymore.

It got a little boring after a bit, he’ll admit. He was taking them down near effortlessly, he barely moved from his spot!

He hears Pearl exclaim something about only one person, quickly followed by Grian’s name, and he blinks back into clarity.

Oh! Seems like they found the secret door! “Yeah, that’s a one-time use!” He shouts, letting another arrow fly.

“Scar!” He hears Grian exclaim, along with the many arguments from the other hermits, and he can’t help but laugh. He sees his mate through the doorway just eye level with the court he was standing on, giggling as he readied another arrow, shooting it perfectly through the doorway and nearly missing Grian’s ear by a millimeter.

Grian let out a squawk of surprise, quickly pulling up his shield as Scar continued to shoot. “No! Scar— I paid!”

Scar snorts, but he does lower his bow, “Okay, okay, okay!”

A shrill cry of “favoritism!” is heard, but Scar pretends like he doesn’t hear it.

As more hermits find their way up, Scar begins again, “You must defeat the Hotguy~! Where will you find the—” He yelps as an arrow connects with his side, and many more come flying his way.

“Wait— wait wait!” He stumbles off the volleyball platform, quickly opening mechanical wings to catch his fall. He quickly flies back up when the amount of arrows lessens. “Listen— listen thee, listen thee!”

Once the arrows stopped, he continued, “You need to find the targets to open the doors! The targets on the walls—” The hermits in front of him let out ahhs of understanding, shooting at targets they see, but when they didn’t work they turned back to Scar.

Scar let out a shriek as he was hit more, diving for cover, “The target! There’s one!” He yells, cowering and quickly eating to replenish his health, pulling out the arrows in him. He could feel the wounds the arrows left heal over, and he sighed, making his way back to the platform.

Scar fled from the platform once they got the door open to climb up, knowing if they found him there he would’ve been picked off easily. He followed the other knights into another room, letting out a breath as they made their way to the next holding chamber.

Cub set a hand on his shoulder, looking at him with a bit of concern, “You okay?” He asked, quieter than the last time he had tried to ask that same question.

Scar smiled, nodding at the other omega, “Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?”

Cub’s frown deepened, “You looked pretty scared back there, I just wanted to—” Scar tuned Cub out as he listened to the talk of the hermits near them, picking out that they were going to Grian’s confusion room now.

“Yeah yeah— come on, we’ve gotta get to the Grian viewing room!” He interrupts Cub, moving past him to get to the tunnel leading there. Cubaudibly let out a sigh behind him, he paid it no mind.

Scar sat idly as Grian spoke over the hermits, smiling as he watched the alpha make confusing statements to trick the others into falling and dying. He lit up in Joy at hearing his name in one of them, snickering at the comments it spawned.

But, the room was quickly over as Etho, Gem, and False got each one correct. He almost didn’t want to get up and go to the next room. But, he had to, so he followed the others into the arena.

Ren begins his spiel once more, about how if they defeat him they’ll reign victorious or whatnot. Scar didn’t pay attention to the words. That pit of nerves came back, eating a hole into his stomach and he could feel the bile rise in his throat just from the anxiety.

First, Cub was sent out to fight. He was taken down nearly instantly as the hermits dogpiled him.

Next, Cleo. The same fate fell upon her.

Then, Joe. He lasted the same amount of time.

Finally, it was Scar’s turn. He swallowed thickly as Ren called him up loudly, Fear squeezing at his throat and making his guts turn and twist. Why was he so afraid? He knew this was going to happen.

He sucked it up though, and he made his way up the bubble elevator into the arena.

Pain was the first thing that registered, not the images of the others, not the sound of their voices. Pain greeted him like a toxic friend, so warm he could feel it bubbling under his skin. He let out a few shrieks, eyes blown wide as a sword stabbed through his chest.

He didn’t want to die.

He di dn’ t—

GoodTimeWithScar was slain by DocM77.

Scar’s ears shrieked like broken sirens, his vision spun like mad, his chest hurt, his stomach hurt—

He rolled over on the cold blackstone floor and vomited, bile spilling down his chin as he heaved. There was a hand on his back, so hot it burned. He jerked away from the touch, a wordless shout falling from his lips before gagging.

“—sy, easy!” A voice stitched itself together in his ears, making it past the siren’s wailing. “Deep breaths, you’re okay—”

Even though the voice was familiar, so close to figuring out who it was, he knew it wasn’t his mate. He needed his alpha, now!

He let out a scream full of terror, he wasn’t safe! Grian, he needed Grian!

He pushed himself back, back until his back jammed against a blackstone wall. He curled up so tightly it hurt his stomach, he couldn’t breathe, his stomach his stomach hurt it burned it felt like searing pain throbbing aching agonizing—

Suddenly, there was a body pressed against him, and he nearly wailed again before a hand cradled the back of his head, yanking it down. His nose was forcefully buried into flesh, and with one inhale his body fully relaxed.

Fresh bread.

Grian.

His alpha.

He was safe, he was going to be okay.

His body sagged against his mate, breath shuddering, but his body just couldn’t take it. His eyes rolled back, and his arms slacked as his vision faded to black.

Chapter Text

Drifting in and out of sleep felt like falling through syrup—warm, sticky, and sweet-smelling. Scar felt warm, surrounded by it like a blanket, filled with it like hot tea. Sleep stuck to him like glue. Each time he tried to shake it off, he only became more entangled in it. Was he really that exhausted?

It smelled… familiar. Achingly familiar, a calming, passive smell that pacified each frayed nerve in his body that felt like it was sparking like electricity. It smelled like a hug, a loved room, a busy shop, warm feathers, the touch of skin.

Scar finally managed to pull open his eyes, his vision blurry and practically useless. However, his nose made up for what his eyes couldn’t see. It smelled like fresh bread most of all, the smell wrapped around every other scent like a protective case.

He could smell Grian’s favorite candle, long put out but the smell still lingered in the corners of the room. He could smell Grian’s blanket, the unmistakable smell of Grian infused into the fabric. He could smell the preening oil that had yet to disappear in Grian’s feathers. He could smell… Jellie.

He could feel her on his chest, her fur soft against his hot skin. He could feel arms wrapped around his torso, holding him close. He could feel warmth pressed against his cheek, feathers against his back, legs between his.

The first thing Scar could see was the gorgeous dirty blond curls that belonged to his mate, curled in that unique way, bending in towards his head before bursting out near the ends like an explosion. Next, the bright red color of Grian’s pajama shirt, a gag gift given to him that had a strip of white near the center of his torso, the letters “TNT” written crudely in red.

Scar’s cheek was pressed against Grian’s shoulder, his nose just above one of his scent glands that was unconsciously seeping out soothing pheromones. Well, that explains why he felt so at ease. Grian had made sure he didn’t have another one of those… freakouts, in the middle of the night.

Or maybe he already had one at some point during the night… that would explain why Jellie was on his chest, usually she only got that close after nightmares. He knows he’ll have to get up at some point to explain what had happened, but was it selfish of him to not want to even move a muscle?

He was so comfortable, he felt so at peace in Grian’s bed, in Grian’s arms. Scar would live in Grian’s embrace if he let him, Scar wouldn’t even think twice. His demeanor almost deflates at the thought.

Grian was stuck with him, the worst, most clumsy omega who trips backward into danger like he’s got the universe’s most powerful magnet on his back. And he refuses to break the bond, because Scar’s body couldn’t handle it. Scar can’t even handle a respawn anchor, bond breaking might actually rip apart his code.

Scar frowns, tilting his head more into Grian’s neck and taking a deep breath. His senses fill with that heavenly bread scent, and Scar relaxes so quickly that his nose brushes against the teeth indent in Grian’s scent gland.

Grian shifts with an unconscious shiver, and Scar flushes to the tips of his ears. It always made him flustered knowing their mate bond wasn’t skin deep, it ran deeper than that. It seeped into their bloodstreams, into their souls (even if Grian liked to joke he didn’t have one).

Scar bites his lip, closing his eyes and just, willing himself to stay still. He really doesn’t want to talk at the moment. He didn’t even know what they would talk about, and he’s almost positive Grian wouldn’t feel very happy with I don’t know as an answer.

Honestly… Scar doesn’t even know what happened back then, in the blackstone walls of the King’s Vault. He doesn’t know why he felt so terrified of dying then, and he sure as hell doesn’t know why he had a panic attack afterward.

He’s not afraid of death, he faces it every day. That’s who he was, he died at comical times and in the most puzzling ways. He couldn’t lose that.

Okay, that sounded not that healthy. Maybe that said something about him. Perhaps he should talk to someone about that… later. Right now, he’s snuggling his mate.

To the backburner that goes!

He should get back to sleep. He’d feel all awkward if Grian woke up to him already awake. Maybe that had happened already tonight, but what Scar doesn’t remember he doesn’t ponder. He doesn’t remember it anyway.

So, he shifted just that little bit closer to Grian, and he only thought thoughts of sleep. How nice it would be to go to sleep, in Grian’s arms, with the feeling of Jellie on his chest. How comfortable it would be to wake up to Grian’s arms every morning, maybe even to the sound of a tiny voice wailing in the other room, or jumping onto their chests…

Scar shook his head, accidentally nuzzling into Grian’s scent gland. Brain stop thinking those thoughts!

A hand reached up and cradled Scar’s head, causing him to freeze. Damn it, he woke Grian up. But, before he could apologize, a kiss was pressed into his wild hair.

“It’s okay… I’m right here…” Grian’s voice was slurred and groggy, but it held so much Love it choked in Scar’s throat, desperate to claw its way up into his brain and sink its fangs into the organ.

Grian gently shushes him, more kisses pressed into his scalp. His fresh bread scent enveloped him, and Scar felt himself losing his focus, his consciousness slipping from him until his eyes couldn't keep open anymore. Grian so effortlessly puts him to sleep, just trying to soothe Scar in what he thought was him having another nightmare (because it was obvious it wasn’t the first time this had happened tonight).

The next time Scar opens his eyes, he’s cold. He’s not being held his body is only sucking in the cold air of mid-autumn, he’s missing that fresh bread smell that makes him warm and happy. He whines, his arms had wrapped around himself at some point, he’s cold.

Where was Grian? His mate would never have left him like this. He begrudgingly sat up. Ah, he was still wearing shorts and the crop top from yesterday. That’s probably why he was cold. He reaches around blindly before feeling something soft, slipping it on, and immediately sighing in relief as it radiates warmth.

Alright. How is he getting up now? He doesn’t have his braces on. His eyes take a sweep of the room and he lights up when he sees his cane. He reaches for it and groans at the stretch it requires.

As he wraps a hand around it, he hears the meow of his dear Jellie. “Pretty girl!” He calls, turning around and seeing her sitting just outside the closed door. He rolls his eyes slightly, patting the spot right next to him on the bed.

“Come here Jellie girl! Let me love you!” Of course, that doesn’t work. Scar knows his fur baby is a little diva. So, he stands, giving a second to let his legs stabilize, and he moves to open the door.

The second the door is open, Jellie scampers out, scittering down the echoing halls. Scar lets out a huff of air, “Emotional support cat, who would’ve thought?” He playfully complained to himself, but he went to follow where his beloved cat went.

“Jels, what are you doing? You’re supposed to be looking after Scar!” Scar heard Grian’s voice before he could see him. Scar could feel the adoration creep up his chest and warm all the way up into his ears. Goodness, he has it for Grian so bad.

He rounds the corner, spotting Grian in his little makeshift kitchen, squatted to speak to Jellie at his feet, who was brushing along his ankles and weaving in between his feet. Grian looks up and stands when Scar enters, but before he can get a syllable out, he freezes.

His eyes dilate heavily, his face flushing so much it nearly matched his shirt. “Are you wearing my jumper?” He almost chokes out.

Scar jolts, looking down at himself and surprisingly, he was wearing Grian’s iconic red sweater. Thankfully, Grian liked his sweaters about three sizes too big, so they almost fit Scar comfortably, leaving a comfortable amount of room to not stretch out the fabric. His own face flushes, looking back up at Grian.

“I can take it off.” He quickly blurts out, and he winces. He really doesn’t want to take it off. It made him warm.

Though, to his surprise, Grian jerked forward like Scar was in danger, “No!” He let out, before he blushed darker, fixing his stance, “I— it’s. It’s cold out. You can keep it on.” He nodded to himself, eyes visibly roaming Scar’s frame, hugged by his own sweater.

Scar gently squeezed the handle of his cane, nodding along to Grian a bit. “Thank you, I’ll— I’ll give it back later.”

He is keeping this sweater forever.

“Sit, I’m almost finished with lunch,” Grian spoke, gesturing behind him at the small table. Scar looked over at what Grian was making. It was some easy mushroom stew, slowly stirring the pot that looked like it only held two servings.

Scar sat down, his hands fiddling together as his mind ran like a speedrunner. He suddenly felt so… awkward. And they haven’t even begun talking about the night before. He felt something brush against his ankles and he immediately knew it was Jellie.

He leaned down, happily cooing at his darling baby kitty. She pushed her head against his knuckles, tilting her head up with rumbling purrs as Scar petted her. “Oh, yes, such good scritches, huh?” Scar baby-talked, making little kissy noises at Jellie.

As Scar was petting his dear emotional support cat, a bowl was placed in front of him, he lifted his head up and watched as Grian sat across from him, another bowl in hand. Scar smiles a bit, picking up his spoon.

“Thanks, Gri… what would I do without you?” He chuckles, intending for it to be a joke. Grian looks at him a little too long.

“You know I care about you, right?” Grian spoke, not even touching his own bowl. Scar nearly spit out his soup.

“Grian?” Scar coughed, looking at Grian with wide eyes, the other only shook his head, “No, no, I mean it! And I’ve had enough of your self-deprecating bull—”

“Grian—” Grian’s hand shoots up to signal for Scar to not interrupt. He seemed very passionate about this.

“You always put yourself down and you— you don’t even realize you’re doing it! You keep suffering in silence and I’ve had it! Scar, I care about you, I—” Grian sucks in a breath, chest heaving from his small outburst.

He takes a few breaths, his face bloomed pink, and he looks like he nods to himself slightly. “Scar, I—”

“Grian, do you know where Scar is?” A voice calls from the entrance of Grian’s base, and when Grian bites his tongue Scar can see it. Grian quickly stands, a tight grin on his face.

“One second.” The words spit from Grian’s lips like he struggled to get them out before stomping out of the room, wings flared in frustration.

Scar sat at the small table, pretending not to hear the hushed whispers he couldn’t make out. He continued to eat, and by the time Grian returned he was already up. He thrusted his empty bowl into Grian’s hands, much to the other’s surprise.

“Thanks for letting me over, but I really should be going! You know, passion project and whatnot!” Scar laughs, moving for the exit. Jellie let out a meow behind him, quickly running up so she was by his side. Scar didn’t turn back to see the look on Grian’s face, afraid of what it may have been.

Scar continued to work on his park, each day passing made him more and more proud of what he accomplished. He worked on some of the interiors, shops, off-buildings, and even a restaurant, working tirelessly to make it as good as it looked in his head.

(He looked up at the ceiling in the building holding Alan the Warden, biting his lip a bit. He wanted to add a chandelier to this room… Maybe he can get away with it? He got out a few scaffolding, climbing up to get just that bit of height—

The ground rumbled, and Scar’s vision was swallowed with black. He suddenly jerked back like he was burned, scrambling down the scaffolding and booking it out of the building so fast he nearly smashed his nose on the doorframe on the way out.

So that was a no on the chandelier, then.)

Besides a certain building, he was happy with the progress he was making! He felt like he was on a roll, he had built up a big hotel in no time! Practically nothing could stop him now!

He heard the sound of Jellie’s bell behind him, he turned around to greet his dear kitty, but paused. She had a… compass? Tied to her collar. “Whatcha got there, Jellie Bellie?” He leaned down to untie the compass from her tag.

He makes a confused face as he looks it over, turning it over in his hand before blinking in surprise at there being a tiny piece of a note taped on the back.

Follow me.

Well, that sure wasn’t ominous!

He did a small spin to figure out where exactly the needle on the compass was pointing before looking up, and his lips pursed. It was pointed towards Grian’s base. He suddenly knows exactly what this means.

The rift, something Grian had been crazed about even before Double Life. He let out a dissatisfied hum but took off towards his mate’s base without a word.

The moment he flew into the cave holding Grumbot Prime, Scar felt a chill go down his spine. The stone floor was washed in purple light, the source being the swirling Rift in front of him. His feet hit the ground and he nearly fell over, quickly balancing against his cane. The cane looked more active than he had ever seen it.

He looked around and spotted a few hermits scattered around the cave, but he was looking for a specific hermit. He walked around a bit, and he finally spotted his mate he walked over to him with a slight frown.

“What’s… happening?” He asks. Grian hums, his face a bit conflicted. “I’m not that sure… my leading theory is we’ve somehow directly connected to a different server.”

Scar’s shock is very visible, he moves closer to Grian, “Like— without a hub?”

“Without a hub.” Grian echoes, “I’ll explain more— when everyone gets here.”

And that only took minutes, ten at most. Grian had gathered them in front of the swirling purple of the rift, explaining what was happening and what had already happened with the rift, things that went through and came out of it, how he had tried to go through himself but it just violently spit him back out.

As Grian was talking, Scar couldn’t help but think Grian looked beautiful with the purple light washed over him, falling through his wings and making them a beautiful sunset color.

He only caught himself smiling fondly when he saw Cub’s smug smirk in the corner of his eye, straightening and clearing his throat quietly. Goodness, he really was absolutely smitten.

Grian suggested they go through the rift together, a murmur of agreement floating around the hermits. So, they were lined up against the rift’s edge, each of them barely a hand apart. And after a countdown, they all stepped in. The portal made Scar’s head swim dangerously, nausea crept up his spine and settled low in his throat.

He squeezed his eyes closed, willing the nausea to go away, find someone else to torture! The feeling only got worse as the swirl of the portal got more intense, and as the feeling peaked Scar felt like he couldn’t take it anymore, it was gonna tear him in two—

The second his world stopped spinning, the first thing he thought was to get it out get out get out get—

His first sensation was grass, and the second was the vomit that violently pushed its way up his throat and splattered against the green. He took a few moments to heave, limbs shaking as he held himself up so he didn’t fall face-first into his own mess.

His head swam, he felt dizzy and lightheaded and so nauseous. Suddenly, his brain seized with Panic Panic Panic! He felt himself begin to hyperventilate, panic panic PANIC squeezing at his every nerve.

But he knew this wasn’t his own panic, Grian was panicking. He quickly lifted his comm, but it refused to open. Great, just great!

So, he got up on unstable feet and did his best to ignore the soul-shaking secondhand panic that ran through him as he tried to pump out as many soothing feelings as he could, hoping it reached his mate. He walked around blindly, looking for something that was even a little out of the ordinary.

He got his answer in the form of a floating empire. He let out a sigh through his nose. Oh, goody. How was he getting up there?

After a painstakingly long amount of time, he finally made his way onto the floating islands. He watched every step he took with a nervous frown. This place was not built with nonavians or people without elytras in mind. Which… he winces a bit, everyone probably did have an elytra. Or, everyone who actually lived in the server.

He looked around the empire some, being very careful moving from island to island. Seriously, even with an elytra he’d find this annoying. But maybe that was just the irritation from vomiting talking.

He looked up and suddenly a tall man swooped down from the sky, landing right in front of him. He screamed, scrambling back and slipping in his haste to get away from this stranger. Hands were on him and he shrieked, thrashing around and loudly calling for his mate. He needs rescue! He’s in danger!

“Scar! Fucking— calm down!” The smell of rain flooded in so fast and strong it nearly smelt burnt in his nose. The hands were suddenly off him, pulling back the moment Scar was back on his feet.

Scar backed up quickly, trying to put as much distance between the two as he bared his teeth. Though, he took a breath of air and belatedly realized who was in front of him. “Joel?” He blinks in confusion.

Before him was none other than Joel himself, though he looked different than the last time he saw him in Double Life. The first difference was that he had a beard, a pretty full one too. The second was that he was dressed in godly robes, looking like a real Greek god.

“Don’t wear it out, I guess.” Was Joel’s awkward response, shuffling on his feet as the petrichor scent eased back into normalcy, “Are you good? You don’t look good.”

Scar bristled a bit, eyes narrowing, “I’m— I’m fine, Joel. Have you seen Grian anywhere? By chance?” To his dismay, Joel shook his head. “All I know is you lot just up and popped in, no clue where anyone’s gone off to.”

Scar slowly nods, and he pulls his shirt closer. He’s kinda regretting not bringing his Grian sweater, the autumn air and the altitude were not helping how cold he felt.

They first began looking around Stratos (Joel’s empire, which he proudly proclaimed), finding Cub in the beautiful architecture. Scar clung onto his best friend, getting emotional all over again before pulling himself together, wiping his face, and letting them continue.

It really wasn’t that long until Scar heard voices, a few below at the smaller floating island, and one above him.

“Scar!” A voice screeched from above, and Scar’s head immediately snapped up. He knew that voice, that was Grian!

“Grian!” Scar watched as Grian swooped down with his arms out, and Scar had barely enough time to raise his own before Grian slammed into him, taking them both down into the moss underneath them.

Scar immediately buried his face into Grian’s neck and melted as the soothing scent of bread flooded his senses. They stayed like that on the ground for a good bit, murmurs of words floating above them but Scar paid them no mind. His mate was finally here.

Eventually, they really did have to part, and Scar immediately ignored the shit-eating grin on Cub’s face beside him. “Alright,” Joel began, and Scar silently thanked him for not mentioning the desperate hug, nor the was Scar could still feel a protective wing set against him.

“Who’s up for a tour!” Joel beamed, and the handful of hermits there (Scar finally noticed, Pearl (Grian’s sister) was looking over at the two in mild amusement) all agreed. Grian looked to Scar and the omega just smiled.

“Why not? We’re in a new server… might as well enjoy it.”

Chapter Text

A few days had passed since arriving. Getting used to being on a new server, setting up proper communication, and figuring out where he was going to be based firmly drained Scar. After the first day of settling in, Scar collapsed on his makeshift bed in Tumble Town and went to sleep in record time.

(When he woke, Jellie was curled up against his side. Distantly he wondered how his dear kitty got there, but honestly, he wasn’t very caught on it, just giving her a few pets before settling back into sleep.)

After a day of rest (seriously, how draining can one day be? Well, to be fair he did go through a good bit of the afternoon puking his guts out—) he was back on his feet, going out to gather resources (or make some light use of the five finger discount) to build a train on the tracks of Tumble Town.

He was very excited about the build. He was very interested in building a Western-style train, which fit right in with Tumble Town’s overall style of an old Western town. After finally gathering the resources to begin, Scar cracked his knuckles and got to work!

It didn’t take long for Scar’s comm to buzz, he was about finished with the front of the train, a bed tucked into the operator’s compartment for a more… less temporary sleeping setup. He turns his wrist up without issue, wondering what is happening in chat.

fWhip: WHOS READY FOR A WILD NIGHT

Scar confusingly tilted his head at his comm (had he been working on the train that long?) before another message popped up, eyes lighting up in recognition.

Smajor: just remember the grown up party is after 9 ;) happy halloween!

Scar let out an excited gasp, they were having a party! He lost track of the days, he forgot Halloween was coming up! He quickly scrolled through the chat to look for a time and location before rushing off to find something to wear.

He ended up just drawing whiskers on his face and putting on a pair of ears from Scarland, dressing as his beloved Jellie. Speaking of!

Scar whistled into the mesa air, “Jellie Bellie! We have a party to go to!” He called, turning around to see if he could spot his cat. He jumped with a slight shout when he saw Jellie sitting calmly at his feet. Scar laughed, “I have no idea how you do that!”

He carefully picked up the cat and placed her in the crook of his arm, letting her loaf in the spot, “Never mind that, we’re going to a fun get-together!” He placed a kiss on the top of Jellie’s head, his darling furr baby gave a purring mrrrp in response.

Scar did a small spin around to make sure he was going the right way before launching off for Sanctuary, the location of the Halloween party. After getting lost for only a little bit of time, he touched down in the jungle biome of Sanctuary.

He spotted a few other Hermits and Empire members gathered around, complimenting costumes and laughing together. Scar waved at the group of people with a grin, “Happy Halloween!” He speaks, grinning when others look over and gasp and coo at Jellie curled in his arm.

Of course, his little diva wanted all of the attention, so she hopped out of his arms and moved to rub against the nearest ankle, letting herself be pet and cooed over.

“Yes, my partner in crime is very adorable!” He laughs, watching Jellie be loved on before he feels a woosh of air to his right, a colorful wing falling over his face suddenly. Scar let out a yelp of surprise before he laughed, pushing away the wing before wrapping his arms around his mate, “Stop scaring me!” Scar scolded, but he didn’t seem that mad about it.

“You make it too easy.” Grian stuck his tongue out but hugged Scar back all the same. Scar takes a second to look at Grian before gasping, “No costume? Gri, it’s halloween!”

“No further questions, please.” Grian lifts a hand before chuckling, “Scar, all my things are home on Hermitcraft, there was nothing to make a costume out of.”

Scar pouts, going to speak once more before Joel’s voice interrupts, “Look alive losers, the coolest Sheriff has arrived!” With curiosity filling Scar’s eyes, he turned towards Joel’s voice. The other held open a door from one of the Sanctuary buildings, and out walked Sausage dressed in a bandit costume, but what– or who was on his hip made Scar’s jaw drop.

A little boy, who couldn’t have been older than four, was kicking his feet with a big toothy grin sat upon Sausage’s hip. He wore a Sheriff costume that was obviously a copy of Jimmy’s outfit, an extremely large sheriff hat sat upon his blond curls, a beautiful purple streak running through the strands.

A gasp was heard in the crowd of members, and Jimmy pushed his way through, wearing a cow onesie that almost looked comical on him. “That’s where my hat went!” He shrieked.

“Hey, Hermes wanted– nay, needed that hat. His look demanded it!” Joel defended his son, crossing his arms. However, a smile made its way to his face when Hermes squealed at the sight of Jimmy, flapping his hands about and reaching for the Sheriff.

Of course, Jimmy immediately lifted the child into his arms, “Hello! How’s my favorite deputy doing? No offense Scar—”

Scar shook his head, his expression melting when those beautiful baby blue eyes turned to look at him, “Oh, not a problem! I could never compete with this little charmer!”

Hermes grinned widely at him, and it took every fiber of Scar’s body not to squeak and cry. Hermes was just so cute!

Of course, the crowd of Hermits adored Hermes, the three-year-old stealing the limelight swiftly. His large smile could light up the darkest corners of any room, and it was like the toddler knew this fact. He used his little adorable powers to soak up every cooed word and complement, tapping his chin with the tips of his fingers before leaning the hand away from his face.

Scar realized a bit belatedly into the Halloween celebration that although Hermes laughed and squealed and vocalized, he didn’t particularly speak, instead using his hands to communicate. Hermes went around the group with a pep in his step, running up to each adult for some praise for how cute he was.

When he made it to Scar and Grian, the alpha patted Hermes’ head, the toddler’s big blue eyes blinking up at Grian. “You eat all the candy you want, yeah? Give your dad a run for his diamonds for me.”

A shout of “AY!” came from Joel, making Grian burst out into laughter, little Hermes giggling along and creating a musical that floated through Scar’s ears like a breeze. Goodness, the sound of his mate’s laughter and a little baby’s harmonizing almost perfectly? Get the flowers, he’s already six feet under.

Hermes scampered off to the next Hermit, and Scar turned to Grian with coos of his own. “Hermes is the cutest ever.” He declared like it was a fact.

Grian simply looked at him in Amusement, “You think everything tiny is the cutest thing ever.”

Scar sputtered with a gasp, sitting up more, “He’s cuter than all of it! He’s such a sweet little baby!”

“Scar, just the other day you told me how I couldn’t kill a slime because it was a cute little baby.”

“They are cute little babies and should be treated as such!”

Grian let out a cackle, and Scar couldn’t help the way his puffed-out cheeks melted into a soft smile. Goodness, Grian was so gorgeous. How did he ever manage to get to where they were now? Safely tucked into Grian’s side with a colorful wing draped over his lap. It had to have been a dream, but he hoped he never woke up from it.

The kid-friendly portion of the Halloween party winded down and swiftly ended the moment Hermes fell asleep in Joel’s arms, the Emperor announcing his leave now that Hermes had tuckered himself out, Sausage in tow. After a good minute, the vibe of a cozy Halloween get-together drastically changed to an energized party frenzy. Seriously, Scar didn’t even know half of the places Emperors snuck alcohol in was possible!

Grian ran off to sniff out if they had his favorite, and looked off to find a big enough plate for Scar’s ridiculous snack table request. However, when a cup of some unidentified horror mix of alcohol was offered to him, he didn’t have the time to decline (really, he’d love to get drunk but he spent the last couple of days recovering from arriving), Doc grabbed the cup straight from the other’s hand.

The alpha raised the cup a bit before walking away with it, disappearing into the crowd. Scar looked a bit confused but shrugged it off. It wasn’t out of the ordinary with Doc, anyhow. However, Doc continued to do this, taking every cup that was meant to be handed to Scar and disappearing with it.

Honestly, Scar was getting a bit peeved by it. No, he didn’t want to drink anyway, but what if he did? Doc didn’t know that, and he was just wheeling off all his generously offered drinks!

By the time Grian came back with Scar’s odd request for food, Doc had intercepted a total of four drinks. People even seemed to get the hint that Scar wasn’t drinking by then, and just stopped approaching him altogether.

Scar grinned big when Grian handed over the large plate of food, some of the items on it seemed like it wasn’t even on the snack table. “Thank you!” Scar happily bit into various party snacks, his tail wagging like mad as his pine scent made his happy emotions more prominent.

Grian rolls his eyes slightly before spotting something off in the distance, and with one look up Scar spots Jimmy stumbling over his own feet, Scott laughing loudly with Jimmy’s arm thrown over his shoulder, but it is obvious he is just as drunk as his husband. Grian lets out a groan, getting up from his seat, “I’m gonna go make sure Tim doesn’t somehow manage to trip into a ditch. Are you good on the couch?”

Scar merely smiled at Grian, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He’s already missing the warmth Grian stole from him. “Go on!” He waves a hand at Grian, the other snorting before shaking his head, off to follow the bumbling couple with shouts of protest.

Scar’s smile slowly fell as Grian disappeared, tucking himself more into the cushions of the couch he was sitting upon. He just waited for a bit, hoping Grian returned. But it became clear after around ten minutes that his mate wasn’t walking back in any time soon.

So, Scar hauled himself off of the couch, moving to put the now empty plate away but there were just too many bumbling bodies, and Scar’s nose was beginning to burn from the alcoholic scents mixing with the two packs' unique scents and he really didn’t wanna throw up from the nauseating mix. So, he left the plate on the coffee table and simply walked out the door.

An Irish goodbye wasn’t really like him. Usually, he’d at least say something to someone, but he suddenly just felt so… alone.

He made his way back to Tumble Town, dragging his feet with each step, digging his cane into the gritty reddish orange earth. He watched as the townspeople still up were with someone else, either a sleepy child or another person, a friend, a sibling. A partner.

Scar turned for the train, making his way up into the unfinished build and tucking him away out of sight. All alone.

Scar scrubbed his face free of marker and put away his cat ears, staring off as he got dressed into more sleep-friendly clothes. He tilted his comm up towards his face, and not a message came through. Not even a “where did you go” text.

He lowered his wrist suddenly feeling ten times worse. What was wrong with him? He knew Grian was just looking after his best friend, who was very drunk and needed more attention than he did.

He tried to fight back the tears that were watering his eyes, willing himself to not cry over something so dumb!

A soft mrrrp? broke through his inner monologue. Scar blinked a bit, those tears suspended against his waterline finally falling down his cheeks. He quickly wiped his face, smiling as Jellie hopped onto the bed and rubbed against Scar’s side, a way to try and comfort him. Scar softly awed, reaching a hand to pet down his beloved cat.

“Thanks, Jellie… you always know when I need cheering up…” He murmured. He took a big sigh before moving to lie down. “I’m gonna sleep Jels, it’s… it’s late.”

He kissed her on the top of her head before settling in, dragging the blanket up to hide himself from the world. He fell asleep almost unfairly easily, unconscious in a matter of minutes.

“Oh, what’s the matter baby?”

A frown sat on Scar’s lips as his little girl just wailed and wailed, flailing in his arms like she was allergic to her own momma. He tried gently shushing her and bouncing her, even humming a song she loved, but nothing seemed to work.

He gently pressed a kiss to her cheek, his baby hiccuping in her cry before continuing in volume. “I know you miss papa… I miss him too.” He confesses, rocking the girl from side to side.

The door behind Scar opened, and he lit up when he turned around. “Grian!” He happily shouts, watching the avian move closer, “Thank the void you’re here, I was just—”

His words died on his tongue when Grian snatched up the girl in his arms, his little baby calming significantly now that Grian was holding her. Scar let out a little forced laugh, “How did you get her to—”

A gasp punched out of his throat when Grian just turned around, moving for the door. “Wait—! Where are you going?!” He pleaded, falling to his knees when Grian turned back around.

His eyes glimmered purple, their daughter’s matching his. “You’re too dangerous, Scar,” Grian spoke, gently bouncing the baby. The girl even giggled, a stark contrast to the cries she did when she was in Scar’s arms.

Scar couldn’t believe his ears. “I’ll— I’m being more careful! I promise I’ll try harder!”

Grian slowly shook his head, turning his back to Scar, “You’re broken, Scar. You’ll never be enough for our baby. She’s better off just with me.”

The heavy metal door closed, leaving Scar in darkness. Isolating him from his mate and his baby.

“Scar? Scar, where’d you go?”

Scar slowly opened his eyes, staring into the fuzz of the blanket over his head as a knock sounded at the door of the train compartment. He had been awake for a while, his dream waking him up with a nice salty surprise down his cheeks. He had been laying in bed since, not moving from his spot. Which was fine, he didn’t want to do anything.

He didn’t know how long he’d just been laying there, and honestly he was kinda hoping on everyone having hangovers and forgetting he existed. He didn’t answer the voice that called out, a little too in his head to realize who it was.

He felt Concern and Worry gnaw at him, and he closed his eyes when he realized it was his mate. Maybe if he just stayed really still Grian will think he’s still asleep?

“I’m coming in!” Grian spoke, and Scar heard the door slowly slide open. A beat of silence passed.

“Scar, I know you’re up… Jellie wouldn’t have left you if you weren’t.” Grian muttered, and the end of the bed dipped with the weight of another person.

Scar’s lips thinned and his brows furrowed. That littly furry traitor.

He shifted, gently moving the blanket from over his head. He blinked heavily at the change in light level, his eyes focusing once more before he looked over to Grian.

The alpha had a soft smile on his face, but the crease in his eyebrows gave away his Worry. “Hey there… you feeling alright? You’ve slept through the entire morning.”

He lifted a hand slightly, “Normally I wouldn’t bat an eye at that because we’re Hermits, but that’s not a very… you thing to do.”

Scar just hummed, turning his head to place into his pillow. It was like his tongue was heavy and refused to move in his mouth, rendering him unable to speak.

“Hey, come on… I brought some food for you? I know you were real hungry last night, so.”

“Don’t want it…” Scar murmured, closing his eyes once more. Though, he squeaked when Grian tugged at his arm, forcefully sitting him up.

Grian’s eyes held determination, “Well, you’ve still gotta eat! Doesn’t matter if it’s a few bites.” He smiled, and Scar’s desire to follow his alpha to the ends of the earth overweighed his bout of loneliness.

Scar reluctantly took the container Grian held out, opening it and eating a spoonful of leftovers. It tasted like ash, but he ate the bite, looking to Grian. The alpha gave an encouraging motion, and Scar went for another bite.

The wide triumphant grin that spread across Grian’s face nearly made the ash taste disappear.

After only a few more spoonfuls, Scar passed the container back, leaning forward to press his face into Grian’s arm. Grian gently pat at Scar’s cheek as he placed the container down, turning towards Scar and letting the omega collapse against him.

“What’s got you so worked up?” Grian muttered, rubbing a thumb into tangled brunette locks.

Scar only grumbled, placing a cheek against Grian’s chest and listening to his heart beat in his ear. “It’s not important…”

“Hey.” Grian tilted Scar’s head up to look in his eye, face serious. Scar couldn’t help the light pink that dusted his cheeks. “It’s important if it’s making you feel like this. Tell me what’s going on?”

Scar looked off a bit to the side, a bit embarrassed now that he had to admit this. “It was just… a dream.” Technically not the whole truth, but Grian didn’t have to know that.

“What happened in your dream?” Grian asked, letting go of Scar’s chin now. “You don’t— you don’t have to go into detail if you don’t want to, but I want to help you.”

Scar bit his lip. No way is he confessing his weird baby dreams to Grian of all people. “I don’t remember… I just know it made me… really sad.” That was one way of putting it anyway.

Grian gently rubbed his back, a soft sympathetic frown on his lips. “Wanna go take a little walk?”

Scar quickly shook his head. Walking was the absolute last thing he wanted to do. “No, I… Can I take a small nap?” He asked, like he needed permission.

Grian only smiled, “Sure, I’ll stay and keep you company.” Scar relaxed at that, not even knowing he was so tense. Grian knew things about him even he didn’t pick up.

“You don’t have to…” Scar spoke, but he was already making himself comfortable against Grian. His mate only pushed back his wild hair. “None of that! You rest, I’ll fix up this bird’s nest for you.” He patted at Scar’s long hair before getting to work.

Scar hummed at the fingers moving in his hair with almost reflexive ease, his eyes closing as he relished in the presence of someone, his mate. He didn’t even notice when he fell asleep, the soft hums of his mate lulling him into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

A week passed after the Halloween party, and the day after was a mess of hangovers and cranky adults. Thankfully, Scar wasn’t either of those! Almost immediately after Grian left he got a bout of energy, jumping up out of bed, eating a good bit, then launching into work.

He worked on his train for days, and when he was finished his tail flitted around in a frenzy, wanting to show someone! Look what he did! He made it all by himself! However, before he launched up to find anyone, his sight landed on the frankly pathetic trading hall Jimmy had set up.

He can’t just leave with it looking like that! So, he dived into another project, jumping about getting resources and block palettes he thought would match.

After a few days of work, he paused, holding his stomach with an odd look. His stomach felt like it was flipping under his skin, and he let out an annoyed grumble. Did he eat something he wasn’t supposed to? To be honest he really wasn’t paying attention to what he ate, just that he was eating altogether.

He rolled his shoulders, his rubbing hand moving from his stomach. He ignored the roll of his stomach that time, he’ll ask Fwhip if they had anything to settle his stomach later, it didn’t feel that big of a deal at the moment anyway.

He continued building his rendition of the Tumble Town trading hall, making good progress before his comm suddenly blew up in buzzes. Scar quickly opened the device, surprised to see the subject of chatter was him. He placed the items he was using back into their shulker box and took off.

His breath left him when a tower came into view, full of scaffolding and half-built contraptions. He gently touched down upon a stone bridge, looking up at the tower in pure wonder. How long had this been here? It looked like it took ages!

“Scar!”

Scar bristled, whipping around at the sound of his mate’s voice. His head swiveled this way and that, trying to find the body of the voice. When he finally caught sight of the red sweatered blond making his way over his cheeks hurt with the wide grin that split his face.

“Grian!” He shouts, his tail curling and wagging happily. Grian couldn’t hold his stern face for the life of him, his resolve cracking the longer he saw Scar’s smiling face.

“Scar,” Grian spoke again, softer this time. “We’ve been building this for a bit, us Hermits. Where have you been?”

Scar blinked. Really? Scar didn’t even notice. “Huh. I didn’t know that. I’ve been in Trouble Town! Er– Tri– Trum—”

“Tumble Town.” Grian corrected, Amusement showing on his face and the way his feathers ruffled. Scar grinned, watching the way the colors shifted. His mate was so beautiful…

“What have you been doing?” Grian cut off his train of thought, blinking Scar out of his head. The question made the omega giddy, tapping quickly at his cane as he launched into an explanation of what he was working on.

His free hand flitted around as he rambled on and on about his train and the build he was making for Jimmy, talking about the shiny deputy badge the other omega was holding for him. He felt his chest well up with Adoration and he paused, looking over to Grian, the alpha blankly looking at Scar as his wings were pinned against his back purposefully. The feeling ebbed away and Grian smiled.

“Scar, you’re being tossed around like badminton.” He rolled his eyes, though it looked incredibly fond. Scar only snickered, “Hey, I just say yes to things! You know me, I go with the flow!”

“Yeah, and I’m gonna need to put a stop to that!” A laugh bubbled out of Grian, and Scar couldn’t help the way his smile softened on his cheeks. Grian was absolutely gorgeous, it was a fact.

“Scar, all us Hermits are taking part in Hermitopia,” Grian gestured towards the tower of half-finished builds, “And you’re a hermit, so you’ve gotta participate. It’s a whole bunch of farms, really.”

Scar hums in intrigue, “Oouh… I can make a bee farm?”

“You’re amazing at making bee farms, Scar.” Grian nods in agreement before speaking once more, “But before that, you’ve gotta pick us Hermits. I have something for you.”

Scar perked up at the sentence, watching Grian pick something out of his inventory. He makes a confused face when Grian first hands him a few arrows.

“Arrows?” He mutters in confusion, but looks up when he notices Grian still searching. The alpha laughs a bit, “Yes, arrows, hold on.” Scar only blinks at his mate, but gasps loudly when Grian pulls out a bow, “I recreated your—”

“Hotguy bow!” Scar squealed, quickly taking it out of Grian’s hands and holding it close. He squeaked happily before lurching forward and wrapping his arms around Grian, his cane clattering to the ground. “Oh, thank you thank you thank you!”

Grian squeaks, quickly holding onto Scar now that he isn’t holding onto his cane. “Scar you’re gonna fall one of these days!” He scolds, but it doesn’t hold much heat behind it. Scar simply just laughed, rubbing his face against Grian’s neck in a way that made the alpha stiffen.

“You’ll always be there to catch me.” Scar grinned, pulling back to watch the bafflement on Grian’s face turn into a fond smile. Though he rolled his eyes when he realized it was a pun.

“Har har, I get it, I have wings—” Grian shifted Scar to his side easily (and if Scar blushed at the ease that was his business, okay?) and leaned down to grab Scar’s cane.

“Thank you!” Scar spoke as Grian handed it back, having a chipper attitude as he slung the bow over his shoulder and righted his footing.

“Ah!” Grian exclaimed as Scar tried to pull away, taking his unoccupied hand and giving it a squeeze. “I’m not finished yet.” He points to the bow on Scar’s shoulder, “I’m gonna need you to use that to kill Fwhip for me.”

Scar processes the request before gasping, “Of course! I’ll do it for you. For Hermitgeddon!”

“Hermitopia.” Grian couldn’t help the smile that refused to leave his lips.

Scar merely grinned back, “That’s what I said! Anyway, off to go do that, bye Grian!” And with that, Scar launched off the ground and into the air, intimately aware of the Adoration settling in his chest once more.

Well. Scar forgot all about killing Fwhip, which wasn’t his fault! He had a very enticing build to pick back up, anyone would lose track of time and thought with that! At this point, a week had passed, full of building and more building! His stomach did not stop bothering him throughout the week, but that didn’t matter, what mattered was building!

He finished up the trading hall he was making for Jimmy, showing the Sheriff excitedly and he couldn’t stop rambling and flitting around, tail wagging quickly as he rambled and rambled.

After letting the other poor omega go, he flew off to start up his farm for Hermitopia! He went with a bee farm, and it didn’t take too long to set up, only a couple of days! He was off to find bees to put in his beloved farm when he got the urge to check on his mate.

After searching around the server, he weirdly found him in… Tumble Town? Scar landed in confusion, moving closer to his mate. “Grian?” He called, though he immediately backed away when he saw the formation of soul sand in front of the alpha, wither skulls in hand.

Scar gasped, clinging onto a wooden beam and hiding behind it, “You're not supposed to make those—” Scar immediately blubbered, though he was pretty sure no one prohibited Withers. Scar just… personally didn’t want to see one. He’d be alright with never seeing one again!

Grian took a step towards Scar with his hand out, his scent flaring in calming wafts, “Hey, it’s alright, I’m just messing with Timmy. I won’t actually summon the Wither.” He tries to soothe.

Scar didn’t look all that convinced, but took Grian’s hand anyway. Grian tucked him close, smiling before tilting his wrist up, “Wanna see what Timmy is saying?” He asks, and of course, ever curious, Scar nods.

Solidarity messaged you: you. stay AWAY from tumble town
Solidarity messaged you: that is MY tumble town
Solidarity messaged you: i AM the sheriff
Solidarity messaged you: you WILL respect me

Scar snickers a bit at the messages. Okay, it really was kind of funny. He leans in as the messages keep coming.

Solidarity messaged you: you dare, grian. YOU DARE.
Solidarity messaged you: i will bring EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE to destroy hermitopia

“Alright Tim—” Grian laughs a bit as the messages stop, stepping back from Scar. He looks around, spinning in a circle, “You watchin’ Tim? I hope you're watching!” He tosses up the wither skull in his hand before brandishing it around, reaching up on his tiptoes to place it on top of the soul sand.

“Because there’s nothing you can do to stop me.” Scar scrambles back against the wooden beam on the porch of some odd building, barely peeking out from behind the wood to watch his mate. He knows Grian said he wouldn’t, but he's holding the last skull in his hands, ready to put it in position!

“Tim, you get out here right now or this is happening!” Grian exclaimed, raising his hands up in a triumphant way. He always loved messing with Jimmy, the two were best friends.

Scar expected when a door flung open a bit from where Grian stood. Though, what he didn't expect, was Jimmy standing in the doorway, wearing nothing but a towel around himself. His face was flushed heavily, his lemon scent felt like it was burning Scar’s nose even with all the distance.

Jimmy’s chest heaved, like he ran to the door. The omega gave Grian a mean glare, still holding onto the door, “Don’t. Think about it.” He seethed, his ruffled wings flaring.

Grian gaped like a fish, his own wings bristling with the surprise situation. Then, to make matters worse, Tango stepped up to the door in just boxers. At first his face was concerned, like he didn't know why Jimmy ran off, before noticing Grian.

A growl came from the other alpha, lips pulling back in a snarl. “You have the worst timing!” He shouts, going to storm out but Jimmy pushes him back. Grian bristles at the sound of an aggravated alpha, making his own snarl in return.

The air almost smelt sickeningly sweet, some flowery undertone Scar couldn’t pinpoint. He carefully slid out of his spot, unease creeping up his spine before he heard a noise from inside the home in front of him. A crooning, desperate sound, whining as it stretched on.

His eyes widened, the smell. It was lavender, Scott’s scent!

“Scott’s in heat.” Scar gasped to himself, watching Tango growl louder like his brain remembered one of his omegas was vulnerable, trying to step in front of Jimmy. Of course, Grian’s dumb alpha brain only registered that another alpha was challenging him, so his wings flared out and shook as he gave his own snarls.

Scar quickly ran out as fast as his cane could carry him, latching onto Grian and tugging him away from the base, “Sorry! We’re so sorry— He didn’t realize that you— Scott— just!” He kicked at the structure of soul sand, reducing it to a pile instead.

“We’ll be on our way!” Scar gave Grian another harsh tug before his mate seemed to snap out of it, and all in one fell swoop Grian grabbed Scar and took off into the sky, away from Tumble Town and the three in it.

Flying back to Hermitopia was… awkward. Neither of the two knew what to say, both about what they witnessed or what they were going to do next. Scar bit his lip, his cheeks still a rosy pink from the encounter.

(Plus, Scar won’t admit he liked when Grian held him when he flew instead of flying side by side. He liked how natural Grian flew, compared to an elytra.)

“Sorry.”

Scar blinked out of his thoughts when he heard Grian speak, although it was soft. He looked up at his mate, finding him looking forward as he flew, but his cheeks were also pink.

“I don’t know what happened back there…” Grian bit his lip, the sticky feeling of Shame welled up inside Scar from the mate link. “I just kinda froze and—”

“Hey, hey I get it!” Scar reassures, reaching up to cup Grian’s cheek. The alpha seemed surprised at that, but let Scar continue. “You didn’t know what they were doing, why beat yourself up over that? And plus, that was all your silly alpha instincts, it was kinda a given in that situation.”

Grian huffed, “Since when were you an oracle?” He joked, but Scar was just happy that Shame was ebbing away into nothingness. Scar smiled, “I’ve always been a prophet, baby~!”

He suppressed a wince. That was very cringe, but he’s rolling with it now. He could’ve sworn he saw Grian’s cheeks get darker, a laugh coming out of him, “Right, of course. Where am I dropping you?” The subject change was swift and subtle.

Scar gestured over at the approaching Hermitopia tower, “Drop me at my farm?” He asked, smiling when Grian nodded. Grian dived for the particular farm, landing on his feet with Scar still in his arms.

The alpha fixed up Scar’s hair slightly before giving the other a thumbs up, and quickly launching away. Scar waved as Grian departed, “Have fun doing whatever you’re doing!” He called, though he knew Grian was already too far to hear.

He let out a soft sigh, alright, time to start this thing finally! Scar moved into the farm to get things ready. Though, he let out a loud groan when he moved inside.

He got distracted. He still has to actually collect the bees. Great.

Chapter Text

The rift was closed. Scar passed by it, and it was closed. Scar couldn’t help but absolutely Panic about it! Hermitcraft was his home, his passion, he needed to be there. He couldn’t leave his nest! He couldn’t help himself. He immediately took off into the sky, frantic to find his mate.

When he finally spotted the iconic red sweater of Grian, his world tunnel-visioned, diving for the hermit and stumbling when he landed. Of course, Grian caught him, Grian always caught him. Grian was such a good mate…

No, brain! Stop that! Focus!

“The rift is closed and there’s no way home!” Scar wailed, gripping onto Grian’s sweater with a vice grip, hands shaking as he gulped down panicked breaths. “Gri how will I make progress on my theme park, all my shops my apartment the upkeep Gri what am I gonna—”

Scar took a deep breath, and his nose was invaded with that sweet fresh bread smell so intensely his knees near wobbled. He slumped ever so slightly against Grian’s chest, his grip loosening just a bit.

A hand found its way into Scar’s hair, a thumb rubbing his scalp in such a specific spot Scar knew it was Grian’s just from the action. Scar’s eyes slipped closed… What was he talking about again?

The hand in his hair slid down, cradling his head and a bit of his neck now. “You alright?” Grian asked, Concern apparent in his voice, though he could feel flickers of Amusement in his chest. Scar huffed a bit. He (very uncoordinatedly) pushed himself up from Grian’s chest, trying to stand taller, but his knees didn’t really agree with him. He’ll settle for a half-lean.

“Sorry—” Grian spoke, a hand dipping to rub at Scar’s side. Scar’s own mind betrayed him, traitorously thinking if only Grian slipped his hand a little lower—

Scar quickly shook his head, “No— It’s fine, I…” He whines, “Gri the rift, how are we gonna get home—”

“Hey, hey…” Grian stopped Scar, the omega taking a deep breath to calm himself. Grian gave a smile, “This your first time seeing the rift?” He asked, though it was void of the usual teasing tone.

Scar thinks for a moment. “Besides when we came in and maybe a week after? Not really.”

“I thought so.” Grian hummed not unkindly. “Well, the rift’s been closing for a while now, but don’t worry!” He flicked a wing out and Scar followed it, looking up to see a gigantic robotic face. Huh. That wasn’t here before.

“Emperor Grumbot is on it!” Grian grins, feathers ruffling as Scar looks at his creation. Scar blinks. “Grumbot is here?” He asks in confusion.

“Yes! Well— no.” Grian corrects himself, still not moving the hand on Scar’s waist, and honestly Scar might actually combust if it stays there any longer. Or if he moves it. He’s in a constant state of combustibility. (Is that a word? If it’s not, it is now.)

“This is Emperor Grumbot, Grumbot Prime is on Hermitcraft. Two different Grumbots.” Grian explains. “But they’re connected, and they’ll make a new rift so we’ll be able to get back home! You get it?”

Scar blinks. “Yeah…” He muttered, absolutely not getting it.

Grian looks to Scar with so much fondness, “The two Grumbots will make a new rift home.” He simplifies, and Scar nods, “Right! I got that the first time!”

“Of course you did.” Grian teases, squeezing where he held Scar close (which totally didn’t make Scar’s insides boil alive and oh my goodness is his heat close or something—) before letting him go, wings fluttering out and making Scar’s brain short circuit as he looks at the distracting colors.

“I’m gonna finish up the wires and stuff in this thing. We’ll be home in no time, promise.” A smile shined down at him like the sun as Grian flapped his wings a few times, gaining a bit of height before he took off completely, flying up to the top of Emperor Grumbot and disappearing behind the gigantic screen.

Scar took a second to gather his thoughts, a dark blush rolling over his cheeks before he took off into the sky as well. He flew off towards Tumble Town, quickly firing rockets to… take care of himself.

Scar’s comm buzzed. He quickly yanked his hand out of his pants before turning his wrist up to see what the buzz was, taking the moment to catch his breath.

Grian messaged you: if you needed to get off so badly you couldve just said something ;)

Scar huffed, and if his face could get any redder it would be. He wiped his hand on his pant leg before typing back a simple two-word message.

You messaged Grian: shut up

After meeting with Emperor Grumbot (who Grian said was definitely harmless, but the threatening notes to purge Empires didn’t make that very convincing), the Hermits were ready to leave the server.

Though, they ran into a problem. The Empires members were at the rift, blocking the way. Fwhip stepped up, and he said something, but all Scar could hear was the blood rushing in his ears and his heart beating like a furious battle drum. They weren’t letting them leave. They were making them stay.

Scar’s breath picked up a bit, his vision tunneling. He needed to get home, his park, his nest— He couldn’t help himself, Fwhip was speaking but he couldn’t focus, he had to get home! The second he saw glimpses of swirling purple, he launched forward, only one thing on his mind: get through the rift.

He pushed through Empires members, he could hear shouting in his ears that was no doubt at him, but he couldn’t make out any words. It didn’t matter to him, he just had to get home. He all but threw himself into the rift when he reached it, squeezing his eyes closed and hoping the swirling didn’t affect him as badly.

It only took a few seconds, but it felt agonizingly long for Scar. The rift spit him out and he stumbled and fell onto hard, cool stone. His stomach lurched, and he clamped a hand over his mouth. He rolled to his side, curling up a bit with a groan. At least the coldness was helping how blisteringly hot he suddenly felt.

A hand was placed on his shoulder and he looked up, XB crouching over him with a concerned face. “You alright, Scar?” The beta asked, his webbed hand slowly pulling away. Scar nodded, pushing himself up on shaking arms. XB took his arm, helping him up (his cane flew when he was spat out of the rift, honestly he wouldn’t be surprised if it broke from the force).

He sat back as the rest of the Hermits entered through the rift, though the longer a certain blond avian took to enter, the more panicked Scar grew.

“Where’s— Grian, where’s Grian?” He called, Panic rising in his chest. Everything was okay, right? Things are okay?

Pain.

Scar gasped, grasping at his shirt as his mate bond squeezed with what Grian was feeling. His breath picked up, scrambling to reach for the rift.

Pain. Anger. Pain. Pain. ANGER.

Xisuma quickly lurched to catch Scar when his legs buckled with no assistance, still reaching out towards the rift. Thick honey scent spilled from the pack leader, but the only thing Scar was processing was his mate’s feelings, what he was feeling. He kicked and shoved at Xisuma, screaming at him to let him go, his mate is in trouble!

Pain. Sorrow. Grief.

Scar choked on a heave, collapsing in Xisuma’s arms as the turmoil Grian was feeling raged through him like rapids. He didn’t know whether to bare his teeth or wail his heart out. He felt like his chest was being carved out with the rustiest blade, feeling Grian’s emotions and them hitting him harder.

His Panic Panic PANIC ramped up with his breathing. Xisuma was speaking to him, but he just couldn’t listen. His mate, what happened to his mate, where was his mate—

The sound of the rift pulled him out of his hyperventilating spiral, looking up and seeing that comforting red sweater. Scar lurches forward, faster than Xisuma can hold him back, getting his feet under him and near launching for Grian’s arms.

Grian’s Surprise and Panic nearly had him tripping over himself to catch Scar, quickly pulling him close and wrapping his wings around him in a protective casing.

“Hey—” Grian’s voice was slightly pitched up from his surprise, immediately going to soothe Scar’s frenzied panic. “Hey, I’m alright, we’re alright. Breathe, okay?” Scar couldn’t help but listen to the soft-spoken words, sucking in deep breaths, his hands slowly loosening around Grian’s top.

It was just them for a while, everyone else faded away to Scar as Grian held him, kept him close. He felt Grian’s chest vibrate with speech, and when he was finally calm enough to let the world around him fade back in, the first thing he heard was Grian’s voice.

“Well… not exactly.” The alpha spoke, and before Scar could question what he meant, buzzes sounded from the Hermits around him, and suddenly familiar grunts were heard. Scar looked over the bright color of Grian’s wings and spotted the Empires begin to fall through out of the rift.

Scar looked to Grian, the sound of the Empires members behind them, but Scar was only focused on his mate. Grian smiled at Scar, and his arms never once faltered around him. “Wanna get out of here?”

Scar thought he’d never ask.

The calm of being back on Hermitcraft lasted about two days. On the second day, Scar awoke to a body pressed against his back, the sweet smell of fresh bread flooding his nose. Scar made a confused grumbly-hum, like he didn’t want to be awake. His eyes refused to open more than halfway. Scar would’ve enjoyed the embrace, if he wasn’t in Scarland and definitely remembered falling asleep by himself.

The body behind him shifted, Grian likely knew he was awake one way or another, pulling away from Scar. Though, the omega grabbed a hold of his wrist, “Hey, no… s’okay. Jus’ tired…” He muttered, turning so his front was facing Grian’s.

Grian’s arms immediately enveloped him, making Scar hum in surprise when Grian’s hand curved over his ass. Grian’s bread scent seeped out in waves, suffocating the other scents in the room. Scar looks over Grian’s face, but it was obscured by his blond hair.

“Gri…?” He lifted a bit of Grian’s fringe, seeing how dilated his eyes were, and how truly flushed his face was. Scar placed a hand on Grian’s cheek, and was surprised by how warm the alpha was.

After mentally remembering what the date was, Scar’s eyes widened. “Your rut… it’s here, isn’t it?”

Grian whines, shifting away from Scar and throwing a hand over his face to hide. Shame from his mate pooled in Scar’s chest, making his eyebrows crease in worry.

“Sssorry—” Grian dragged out the word, “Woke up alone, needed— mmm—” He stuttered over himself, purple wings sprouting at his ears and covering his face. Scar would’ve marveled at the appendages if Grian was being… the way he is.

Scar gently reached to push purple feathers from Grian’s face, uncovering red skin and shiny obsidian eyes. “Hey, why so shy? We have a system going, I’m here to help you.”

Grian leaned forward to place his face against Scar’s neck, and Scar could feel the other taking lungfuls of his scent. A sigh escaped Scar’s lips, slightly shaking as he pulled his lip in between his teeth. He sucked in a breath as Grian’s nose pressed against his mate bite, a shiver wracking through his body.

Grian’s tongue pressed against the gland, and Scar couldn’t help the whimpering whine that wheezed out of him. His eyes unfocused and fluttered as Grian dutifully dragged his tongue along the bite like he wanted to bite there again, practically making out with the area.

Grian shifted, moving on top of Scar and practically straddling the omega, shifting weight until he had Scar caged in underneath him. He nipped at the surrounding skin around Scar’s mate bite, but Scar could tell by the way Grian’s hands shook on his hips that he was still holding back. Scar rolled his eyes, huffing. He can’t believe his dumb alpha.

“Grian.” Scar huffed quietly, rolling his hips up into Grian’s above him. He grinned at the hitched breath that sounded from Grian, Scar reached to gently card through Grian’s hair. “It’s okay… I want this. You know I do.”

Grian whines in his ear and presses against Scar’s front. His hand finds Scar’s bicep, and he travels it down his arm to grip his hand. Scar placed a kiss on Grian’s shoulder, gently peppering the freckled skin.

“Go on…” He murmured, shimmying underneath the alpha to try and remove something, though he wasn’t making it easy. “Take me.”

That seemed to get Grian going. Scar let out a surprised squeak as Grian suddenly shifted him up, legs flying up and ankles placed against Grian’s shoulders as he leaned back. Scar takes notice of how the head wings weren’t there anymore. He snickers a bit as Grian tugs at his pajama pants, biting his lip with a big smile. He’s in for a long night.

A coo rumbles from Scar’s baby girl, her pudgy hand reaching up and simply waving around before it drops back down towards her rosy cheeks. Scar coos back to her, gently rocking in place in front of the tiny bassinet she was previously laid in. He runs a finger down her back, the tip of his finger running along the tiny lumps in her night jammies.

It was almost offensively early in the morning, but parenthood doesn’t wait until the sun is up. Deep obsidian eyes looked up at Scar, and he couldn’t help but adore his newborn daughter’s big eyes. They were her father’s, swirling deep outer space with purple twinkling stars scattered in the inky black.

“You look so much like your papa…” Scar murmured, leaning down to peck his sweet baby’s nose, causing her to blink out of reflex. “I love it, you deserve to look as close to perfect as possible.”

Suddenly, arms wrapped around his middle, resting underneath the baby girl in Scar’s arms. Scar yelps at the sudden touch before letting out a tired chuckle, “Gri… I thought you were asleep.”

“I was…” Grian murmured, his large pajama shirt nearly slipping down his shoulder. “But I had to get up when I saw my two favorite things in the universe…”

Scar could feel his face flushing pink, a happy lovesick smile spreading across his face. “You’re a big sap, you know that?” He teases, looking over his shoulder at Grian.

Grian simply just leaned up to place their lips together. Scar hums happily, leaning into the kiss before Grian pulls away. “You’re absolutely perfect…” He murmurs, gently pressing kisses into Scar’s exposed shoulder.

The omega turned a darker shade of pink, though Grian only continued. “You’ve given us such a perfect girl with your perfect body… you’re the perfect omega for me.”

“Grian…” Scar murmured, lip wobbling at the love Grian pours out for him and their newborn.

Grian only huffs at the interruption. “I mean it, she’s our perfect baby girl… our little—”

“Ugh—” Scar stirred awake, eyes blearily opening to the swirled colors of his bedroom. His face twisted up in uncomfortableness, a hand moving underneath the blanket thrown over him to his stomach.

He begins to recollect where he was and what had happened, and his face falls. Of course it was a dream… his life could never be that perfect. Having a family with Grian? All he was to Grian was a fuck buddy. Grian didn’t think he was perfect. Sure, he might think he’s beautiful, a good fuck, but perfect? He’s not perfect.

Against his will, his eyes began to water. He curled up, grunting as the uncomfortable ache still pained him. Could the universe be at least a little kind? Did he not even deserve that?

The body laid next to him shifted, and a head of blond hair tiredly lifted from the mess of blankets and pillows. Raven eyes blinked tiredly at Scar before scrunching up in concern. “You okay…?” He whispered, shifting closer and wrapping an arm around Scar’s waist.

Scar grunts, nodding a bit, “Yeah, just sore I think…” He murmured, closing his eyes. He hummed as Grian pulled him closer, pressing kisses into the love bites he left on his skin. “I’m sorry if I was rough…” He murmured, kissing up Scar’s chin.

Scar shook his head, “No… you weren’t rough at all. Honestly you were way gentler than usual…”

“Gentler isn’t a word.”

“Oh hush! It is now!” Scar laughs, nuzzling into Grian more. The alpha pulled the other closer, tucking him under his chin. “I’ll hold you… go back to sleep.”

Well, Scar couldn’t argue with that. He relaxed in his alpha’s hold, placing his nose into the other’s calming scent. The air smelled like pine and bread, drenched in the smell of sex, but Scar only focused on the calming pheromones Grian exuded, lulling him back into sleep.

The next few weeks passed in a blur. Randomly, Scar would ache and cramp, though to be fair it wasn’t all that out of the ordinary. He strung up Christmas decorations, garland and tinsel decorated across the Scarland park. The center tree was decorated as a big Christmas tree, long and spindly but still oh so loved.

He had to take a few breaks while building a few land and water formations, his wrists aching him big time. But, he did manage to get there in the end! Making a gorgeous plaza, beautiful mountain paths, lagoons, and even cave systems!

He had stopped by the Christmas Village the Empires members had created, homey houses decorated in the Christmas spirit made Scar feel warm and happy, shedding a few tears from just feeling so much Joy. All his friends were together, celebrating together!

Speaking of all together, as Christmas rolled around, Xisuma and Keralis put together a Christmas party, as they usually do! This time around, the Empires pack would be joining them! So, when Christmas morning rolled around, Scar jumped up out of bed, ignoring the flutters in his stomach like clockwork and chalking it up to early morning stomach bubbles.

He got dressed with a mission on his mind, making his way over to a certain someone’s rock-filled base. He looked around, a box tucked underneath his free arm. His cane wobbled as he landed on the birch in front of Grian’s base, letting out a whistle.

“Grian!” He called, peeking his head in, tail curling in nervousness. Silence followed the call, until Grian’s head poked out from a side room.

“Scar?” He called in confusion, and he didn’t look like he slept a wink. Scar will chew him out for that later— but! Right now, he has a gift to give!

As Grian approached, Scar held out a pink box, a ribbon wrapped around it. He grinned, “Merry Christmas!” He grins, “This isn’t your main gift by the way—” He quickly interrupts himself, “Just— something small from me. I’ll get you your actual gift later.” It was in a beautiful blue box hidden underneath his bed.

Grian raised an eyebrow at him, but took the box anyway. He opened it, and his eyes widened, looking at the familiar emblem on the fabric folded inside. Instead of the iconic orange and blue, it was pink and red, a pink visor tucked in the corner.

“Tada!” Scar did a singular jazz hand. “It’s Cuteguy, Hotguy’s amazingly fierce sidekick! I figured um— well I know it’s not a costume party but, I was wondering if you’d match with me? Just for the night!”

Grian looked down at the costume before chuckling, “Sure, but no sidekick business. Only if you introduce me as your partner in crime.”

Scar’s face lit up at Grian agreeing (He agreed to be his Cuteguy!!!) before sputtering at the rest of Grian’s words. “Wh— we won’t be doing crime, we’ll be superheroes!”

“Ah ah, partner in crime, or no Cuteguy.” Grian grinned, and Scar groaned, though he too had a smile on his face. “Fine, fine! I guess we can be less heroic today.”

Grian reached up and patted Scar’s cheek. “Pleasure doing business with you.” He purred, wings fluffing as he turned around, back into his mossy base. Scar watched him go with such a lovesick stare. Goodness. He’s got it bad.

He shook his head, enough of that! He has to go prepare for the party! And so, he launches off back into the Hermitcraft sky, flying for home.

The Christmas party went off with a hit! Scar arrived in his full Hotguy get up, but had put on an elf hat and shoes instead of his boots (which he found funny, as an actual elf himself). Scott was also wearing a Christmas elf get up, another elf such as himself. (Though, Gem shook her head disapprovingly at them when they wanted her to join in. No Christmas elf-elf trio then.)

Unfortunately, Hermes had come down with something and couldn’t attend the party, but everyone gave their Christmas wishes to the boy, happy to pile on presents onto Sausage who had stopped by to inform them all. The alpha gave out his thanks, and headed out the door, cautious not to drop any of the little boy’s gifts.

After a bit, Grian had showed up, in the promised Cuteguy outfit. It looked so much better on him than he could have ever imagined, the fabric hugged him in all the right places. Scar could barely look away.

They all sat around to pass gifts, and Scar had a good haul! Some handmade stickers and charms for his cane, a new shiny visor for his Hotguy outfit (thank you Cub!), among other things that Scar just couldn’t be more thankful for.

An elbow nudged into his side, and Scar turned to see Grian beside him, a small white box in his hands. He hands it over with a small smile, “Merry Christmas, Scar.”

Opening the little box revealed a pair of gorgeous wooden earrings, intricate patterns carved into the wood to create a breathtaking gift, just for him. Scar felt his breath leave him, eyes welling up with tears.

“Oh, Grian...” He pouted, holding the earrings close. “Thank you so much.” Grian gave Scar a soft, warm smile, his wigs gently fluffing up. “You’re welcome, Scar.”

Not long after presents were passed around, the party began! It was a whirl of spiked eggnog and off-key singing to Christmas songs. Again, Doc doesn’t let Scar drink, carting off drinks once again. Scar huffs, he didn’t want those anyway, it’s fine!

Soon, a lot of people around Scar are very obviously drunk, Grian included. Scar sat on the couch with a large plate of food, just chowing down on his platter quite happily. Grian sits beside Scar, leaning against his side heavily.

Scar looked down at Grian and grinned, “Hi Gri! Had too much to drink, hm?” He teases, tilting his head. Grian shakes his head, his arms wrap around Scar’s waist and pushes his face into Scar’s neck, directly into his scent gland.

Scar shivers, slightly leaning back, “Grian you’re drunk— you smell like alcohol—”

“Sorry, I’ll wash my mouth out if you want me too…” Grian murmured onto his arm, not letting him go. Scar grins sweetly, gently running a hand through his hair.

For the next hour or so, Grian clung to Scar the entire time. Not a second goes by where Grian isn’t touching Scar. After Scar had finished his food, he and Grian had wandered around the party, the alpha wrapping Scar in his wings and just squinting and glaring at others getting too close.

They move to a more secluded room (mostly to get Grian to stop growling at their friends), and Grian looks up into the doorway as they pass, and he coos happily. “Look!”

Scar makes a confused face, looking up to briefly spot green and white, before he feels Grian’s hands on his face, and he looks down in the nick of time to watch Grian lean up, eyes widening as Grian’s lips meet his.

It’s like fireworks go off in Scar’s head, and Scar has just enough of his mind that hadn’t exploded with the action to remember that Grian is drunk—

Scar quickly steps back, placing his hands on Grian’s shoulders. “Gri— you’re drunk. I can’t—”

Scar looks at Grian, and Grian’s face is heartbreaking. His eyes are filled with Sorrow, wings drooped over the ground. Scar softens, “Gri… I just don’t want to do anything while you’re drunk.”

Grian croons sadly, “I just wanted to show you that I loved you…” He spoke, and Scar’s soul feels like it combusts. His skin feels so hot before he places a hand on Grian’s cheek, “I—” He bites his lip, “I’ll talk to you about this in the morning… okay?”

Grian blinks up at Scar, before he smiles, cooing, “And then we’ll kiss again?”

Scar smiles, and his heart flips in his chest. “Of course, Gri. Anything for you.”

That seems to please Grian enough, and they’re back to being clingy and wandering. At some point, Grian does fall asleep against Scar, and Scar gets some help bringing him back to Scarland (he knows Grian is gonna want answers). Scar went to sleep that night with a large smile, knowing that Grian loved him

Scar wakes to ruffling feathers and the smell of burnt bread. He shifts up in bed, concern etched onto his features. He looked around the room while still waking up, his head swimming a bit. He sees Grian kneeling in front of his ender chest, a half drunken potion sat next to it.

“Gri…?” He speaks, and Grian jumps like he was shot at. He whirls around, feathers flared and everywhere, an obvious sign of stress. Scar makes a concerned noise, moving to the edge of the bed, “What’s—?”

“I’m sorry about yesterday!” Grian interrupts, speaking quickly. “I wasn’t in the right mind, I didn’t mean to do— Scar I’m sorry—”

Scar feels his chest tighten, a frown making its way to his face, “No, I… I wanted to talk about that actually—”

“I don’t.” Grian very firmly said, standing on the complete opposite side of the room. It felt like there was a world’s distance between them. Scar’s scent soured, “Gri—”

“Scar!” Grian yelled, face red from clear frustration. Scar stopped. Grian stares down at his feet for a second before looking up at Scar, Desperation clear.

“Can we just— forget this ever happened? I don’t wanna ruin this— this good friend— thing that we have.” Grian stressed, Scar made a face. Since when was fucking each other weekly a strictly friend thing?

Grian seems to catch onto Scar’s thoughts, because he suddenly deflates. “Scar, I— I’m not… It was just one drunken night, I don’t even remember what happened… I think we kissed. Did we kiss?”

Scar was quiet, before he softly spoke up, “It was one kiss…” He muttered, before he grew louder, “But— who cares! Gri you’ve been inside of me more times than I can count—”

“That’s different!”

“How is that different?!”

“Because it wasn’t supposed to be love!” Grian snaps, and Scar… Scar’s world shatters. There it is. The truth.

Grian takes a deep breath, and he could feel the Guilt radiating off the alpha in waves. “I wasn’t supposed to catch feelings… I wouldn’t be a good boyfriend, I’m… I don’t want to hurt you.” He stresses, trying to get Scar to see his point of view.

But Scar doesn’t see much of anything, not with the tears gathering on his waterline. He looks at Grian, and he can tell Grian is looking at him with that damn pity look because he can feel the Worry Grian is seeping out.

“Well that’s a shame…” Scar muttered, and tears cascaded down his cheeks. “You kinda just did.”

Grian’s chest caved, eyes widening. Scar could feel the Shock from him. “Wh… What?” His voice was small, disbelief clear in the tone. But before Scar could speak, the door slammed open.

The two jumped, heads whipping to the door. Grian even lunged in front of the bed, like he was protecting Scar. Somehow, the action made Scar feel worse.

“Grian!” A voice bellowed, and Scar immediately knew it was Joel. He peeked around Grian’s frame, spotting the omega.

“I need you to open that damned rift, now!” The omega sounded demanding, but Scar could hear the panic in his voice. In Joel’s arms was Hermes, pale and unmoving. Scar’s breath choked in his throat.

Grian rushed into action, questions spilling from him. “What was happening?” “Is Hermes okay?” “Is the rift not open?”

Hermes… Hermes was dying. At least, that’s what Scar caught as he scrambled to find where he put his cane before he left the day before. Hermes needed specific things from Empires that Hermitcraft just didn’t have, Empires’ own special magic.

When Scar made it down to the hole where the rift resided, it was small. Very small. At that point, most of the Empires were already down there, giving hugs goodbye to the Hermits as they went and clambered into the small size that was left of the giant rift. Joel and Hermes were already gone, along with Sausage.

Soon, all of the Empires filed through, the last of the pack being Jimmy and Scott, who took extra care to squeeze Tango tight in a goodbye hug. The Hermits let out a sigh of relief when they departed, wishing them well and wishing Hermes well on recovering.

Grian looked to Scar with nervous eyes. He took a step towards the omega. “Scar I—”

Scar sharply turned on his heels so quickly his cane screeched against the stone underneath it, hurriedly making his way to the opening of the Grumbot cave and launching out of it so quickly he only just barely heard a call of his name.

He can’t do this.

Chapter Text

The next week… Scar didn’t want to do anything. Most of the time he laid in bed, cuddling Jellie. The blue box that was supposed to be Grian’s Christmas gift collected dust underneath his bed. He didn’t want to see him. He didn’t want to see anyone.

(Jellie’s bell jingled with movement, causing Scar’s head to roll towards the sound in lazy movement. He was still just in bed, wallowing away.

Jellie let out an irritated meow, and Scar willed his eyes to focus on his kitty. Jellie held a small, white box in her mouth, lowering it to the ground and nudging it towards Scar. She meows again, sounding demanding this time.

Scar took a deep breath, rolled over, and cried into his pillow for the next fifteen minutes.)

Even his body was turning against him. He felt terrible all the time, his back ached nonstop, he got bouts of shooting pain and cramps, and his damn pudge wouldn’t go down no matter what he did! He really needed to lay off the sweets and all the bread. He moved aside the blanket and looked down at his stomach, frowning at the noticeable round pudge sitting just above his pajama pants.

“You need to go away…” He murmured, poking at the area with a sneer. The skin fluttered, and Scar groaned with the sudden need to pee. “My own body hates me…” He sat up, reaching weakly for his cane before hobbling off for the bathroom.

It was New Year’s Eve. He’ll give himself today, and then he’ll lay off the sweets.

Worry. Guilt.

Scar sighed softly in the doorway of the bathroom, walking out after using it. Grian’s been feeling those two things since Scar had stormed out of the Grumbot hole. To be fair though, he’s been kind of ignoring Grian’s messages the whole time. But in his defense, he hasn’t done much of anything the whole time! He’s responded to no one’s messages!

He groans to himself, a hand sliding down to his lower back as he walks back over to his bed. Maybe he should do that, but that means he has to actually find his comm.

After digging around for it in a pile of discarded clothes, he finally found it and promptly strapped it back to his wrist, tilting it up to open it. Of course, the first thing that greeted him was Grian’s message log.

It was full of apologies and requests to see each other, but Scar just swiped out of the logs, eager to focus on something else. If he doesn’t think about it he won’t cry, and he’s cried way too many times this past week to feel normal.

The next message that he saw was from Xisuma. Scar curiously opened the message logs, reading through the messages with a hum. He stopped at the most recent, about half an hour ago.

Xisumavoid: Again, we can always have the New Year’s party at a different location if you’re still not feeling well. While Scarland is beautiful and you wanted to host the party there your health is much more important

Scar bit his lip, wondering what to say to his pack leader. He sighed, he can’t keep hiding from everyone forever, and it’s his base and it’s New Year’s Eve! He wants to see his friends! He determinedly writes out his response as he throws on a shirt, quickly throwing on his elytra.

“You’re up!” Xisuma exclaimed happily as Scar landed in front of him, the omega giving a smile. “Of course I am, I can’t miss decorating the party that I’m hosting!” Scar laughs, waving a hand in the air for a moment, “What have you got for me?”

Xisuma lets out a breath, “Well, if you’re feeling up to it, you can help with putting together the main display, everything’s in those shulkers over there!” He points towards a few shulkers not that far away, a few Hermits bustling about getting things ready.

Scar nods dutifully, practically marching off. The Hermits around positively acknowledged Scar, but kept their distance, engrossed in their respective jobs to help out. However, one Hermit made their way over as Scar made it to the boxes.

Cub moved closest to Scar, smiling at the other as Scar grunted while leaning into a shulker box. “So, when are you due?” He joked, knowing he was the only person Scar would let joke like this without losing teeth.

Scar huffed, throwing a hand out to swat at Cub. “Can’t you see I’m trying to work here?”

“Alright, I’ll back off.” Cub threw his hands in the air, taking a step back but not going far. “Wanna help with my section?” He points a thumb over his shoulder, but Scar doesn’t look, giving his best friend a look.

“Are you trying to make me do your section too?” He spoke, trying to be stoic but his face betrayed him, a smile splitting his lips.

Cub gasps in a way that Scar knows he’s joking with him, a hand flying to cover his mouth exaggeratingly. “What? No, of course not! How could you say such a thing?”

He leans against one of the shulker boxes Scar was looking at, causing the other omega to give him a look. “Are you gonna sit there and stare at me while I decorate?” He asked, a genuine question behind the sarcastic tone.

“Hey, I had to endure my best friend going missing for a week, be nice to me.” It was said as an obvious joke, but the way Scar deflated was instantaneous. He opens his mouth to apologize, but Cub cuts him off, “Ah, don’t say sorry. I was joking, it’s not your fault you were depressed.”

Scar made an incredulous look, “I wasn’t depressed!” He argued.

Cub gave him a leveled look. “Pray tell, what exactly were you doing all week?”

Scar paused. “Touché.”

He leans to the side and flicks a little pebble off of Main Street at Cub, causing the other to yelp and cover his face. “Alright stop distracting me, go go!” Scar shooed him. His best friend simply flipped him off, Scar copying in retaliation until Cub finally walked back to his own section.

The New Year’s party started without a problem, Hermits all mingled across Scarland, since it was so early it felt more like a get-together. The real party will start plenty after sundown, without a doubt.

The Empires members even stopped by! Thankfully, Hermes was completely okay, now happily running and jumping around with a little glowing crystal on a bracelet. They planned on staying until midnight, to get the full Scarland experience!

Scar was actually having fun! To think he wouldn’t have, honestly he didn’t even remember why he was upset for so long, not when Bdubs accidentally shot cider through his nose when he laughed too hard. He turns to grab a cup of the sparkling drink himself, head lifting from the snack table and—

Red, yellow, and blue wings. Scar freezes as he sees familiar dirty blond hair in the midst of the crowd. Scar’s hand tightens on his cane, placing the glass of sparkling cider back onto the refreshments table. He doesn’t feel that thirsty anymore.

His hand wobbles slightly, and he leans towards the closest body, just happening to be Tango. “Hey, I’m— I’m not feeling that well, I think I’m gonna sit down for a bit.” And if on cue, his body both blesses him with an excuse and curses him with pain, a harsh cramp shooting through him. He hisses instinctively, curling in on himself a bit.

Tango’s cinder scent spikes dramatically as he near dives to catch Scar’s wobbling cane, his fire shooting up with the action. “Whoa—! Scar, jeez! Don’t go and splat on me man—” He spoke, but it was obvious the alpha was concerned, holding onto Scar to hand him his cane.

After retrieving his cane, Scar lets out a little chuckle, his eye twitching as the cramp rolls under the skin of his stomach. “Sorry, I’m all right hands today.”

Tango snorted, shaking his head fondly, “The saying is “I’m all left feet today”, but A for effort buddy.” He patted Scar’s back, helping him stabilize properly.

Scar thanked Tango for helping him, giving the alpha a quick hug before moving off towards his apartment. After a good bit of walking, the cramps eased away into nothingness, but that didn’t stop him from hiding away. Scar knew Grian would be at the New Year’s party, he just… didn’t know seeing him would knock him off balance so hard.

For the next few hours, Scar hid away in his room, just like he said he wouldn’t. He sat at the window that overlooked Main Street, watching Hermits and Empires alike enjoying the night. He felt kind of like Rapunzel, locked away in a tower as she watched others on a special day. Except Scar did this to himself, and his hair wasn’t nearly as luscious.

Scar didn’t expect to be back outside at all for the rest of the night, the sun already down and midnight fast approaching. He’s got maybe ten minutes to think about how his life has down-spiraled before the fireworks start up. He knows that’s not very optimistic but he doesn’t really care right now.

Jellie purred up a storm on his lap, leaning into his hand with each pet that pushed down her fur. As the minutes ticked down, Scar murmured sweet words to his beloved kitty, telling her how much he loved her. “Don’t worry Jels, I’ll give you your New Year’s forehead kiss, just like last year.”

And sure enough, once the clock rolled over into the new year and cheers roared, Scar gently scooped up Jellie, pulling the older cat close and pressing a kiss directly in the middle of her forehead, a perfectly timed firework exploding with color in the night sky.

“Happy New Year, Jellie…” Scar muttered, holding his dear cat close for a moment before letting her sit back down on his lap. Jellie simply meowed up at Scar, purring as she rubbed her face against his stomach. Scar smiles down at his cat, opening his mouth to speak before a knock sounded in his apartment, quick and sounding urgent.

Scar lifted his head up, scrunching up his face in confusion. It was midnight, who wasn’t at the party? Despite his confusion, Scar still politely set Jellie aside and got up to answer, trekking through the living room to get to the door. When the door opened, he sucked in a breath quickly in surprise.

Red, yellow, and blue wings. Scar immediately tried shutting the door but Grian pushed in between it, squawking in surprise. “Scar!”

“Worth a try!” Scar exclaimed before turning back into the apartment, trying to move quickly but Grian grabbed his arm, nearly falling from the sudden lurch, but his wings counterbalanced so he only slightly staggered.

“Scar can you—!” Grian paused, taking a deep breath. It helped to calm his souring scent, but traces of Nervousness were still very much detectable. “Can we please just… talk?”

Scar stood still, but it was obvious he wasn’t very happy that Grian was in front of him. “Grian, I care about you a lot, but I’m gonna be honest I don’t really wanna hear this on New Year’s. Can this rejection wait until tomorrow?”

Grian heavily winces, letting Scar go and stepping back to not be so… in his face. “Scar, I… I just want to explain things. I need to explain things. Can I come in?”

Scar gestures between them, a frown still on his lips, “If you insist. The floor is yours, as always.” Grian frowns as Scar turns away, moving more into the living room. “Where are you going?”

“I’m sitting on the couch, because my feet hurt.” Scar grunts with the stretch of sitting on a low couch, holding the arm of the couch to stabilize as he sits properly.

He looks up at Grian in front of him, an eyebrow raised as the other nervously picks at his nails, “Alright, go on. What do you have to say?”

Grian sucks on a breath, chest swelling, looking as if he was trying to muster up confidence. Finally, he speaks.

“Scar, I’m so, so sorry. I shouldn’t have blown up at you like that a week ago, I was scared and stressed out and just— I shouldn’t have yelled at you, that wasn’t your fault, it was mine. So many things have been my fault.” Scar’s face scrunches up in distaste, but makes the conscious decision to let Grian continue.

“I’ve been stringing you along for so long, even before we mated. I was selfish, I am selfish for doing this to you. You never asked for all of this, for any of it. I was… at first, I wanted to keep you close. But then I actually started feeling something for you and… I panicked. I didn’t want to lose this but I just ended up pushing you away.”

Grian took a step closer towards Scar on the couch, hands wringing together and wings puffed with nerves. “I fell in love with you. After everything I put you through, I didn’t think I… deserved to be. But I still love you Scar, I don’t want to lose you because I was being stupid and lashed out, but if you want nothing to do with me that’s fair and I respect your—”

Scar reached out and grabbed Grian’s hand, effectively shutting the alpha up. Scar smiled softly at his mate, “Grian…” He muttered, tugging at Grian’s hand before moving to stand up, groaning with the help of both Grian’s hand and his cane before standing tall.

He lets go of his mate’s hand, lifting it to cup his cheek, lifting Grian’s head to look at him. “Did you mean it?” He murmured, and Grian looked at him in confusion.

“Mean what?”

“Did you mean it when you said you wanted to forget kissing me?”

“Absolutely not.” Grian didn’t hesitate for a second. His hand lifted to hold Scar’s wrist, a thumb gliding against the back of his palm. “I’m a little disappointed I don’t remember it in clarity, but that’s the last thing I’d ever want to do.”

“Do you want to remember it?”

Grian blinked. “Pardon?”

Scar rolled his eyes fondly. His alpha was so smart yet so dumb. “Do you want to remember what kissing me feels like?”

Grian sucks in a breath, face blooming in red, “Are… are you asking me to…?”

“Oh, for goodness sake Grian!” Scar laughed, his hand leaving Grian’s face to place on his shoulder, “I know it’s past midnight now, but could you spare a new year’s kiss?”

Scar could hear Grian’s breath softly sigh out of him, barely audible. There were no words spoken before Grian pulled him in by his waist, a gasp stolen from his lungs as Grian gripped the collar of his shirt, yanking him down and slamming their lips together.

Almost instantly, fireworks exploded in Scar’s head (or maybe that was from outside), melting his brain like plasma and spilling out of his ears. The smell of pine and bread filled the room impossibly quickly, mixing together until he couldn’t smell one scent without smelling the other.

Scar melted against Grian’s lips, finally being able to do so. He tasted like sweet bread and berries, nothing would compare to the flavor after this. Tilting his head to savor the feeling, Scar lifted his hand from Grian’s shoulder onto his cheek, holding him so impossibly closer. He needed him closer.

Scar felt Grian pull away from his lips, causing a confused hum to escape him. However, before he could pull Grian back in, the alpha took his hand, gently releasing its grip from his cane and setting the aid aside.

Scar watched confusingly as Grian did so, the other simply sliding his hand into Scar’s newly unoccupied one. Wordlessly, Grian pulls Scar into the middle of the room, slowly twisting them around as his arm tightens around Scar’s waist, making sure he doesn’t fall.

Scar leaned against Grian, holding onto his mate, and trusted him not to let him fall. He couldn’t help the confused chuckle he let out, “What are you doing…?” He muttered. He was quite happy with keeping his lips on Grian’s, thank you very much.

Grian lets out a huffy laugh, like he was trying to stay quiet. “Have you never danced before?” He teased, though it was obviously affectionate, if the Love Grian’s scent was seeping was anything to go by.

Ah. Scar looked down at their chests, pressed together from the closeness, before back up to Grian’s face. They were dancing, to be fair, Grian leading them in a silent waltz, nothing but the fireworks outside to listen to.

Scar snorts, “It’s past midnight.” He grinned, tilting his head at the shorter. Though, Grian only shrugged, “And we’re dancing. Doesn’t change that.”

The smile never left Scar’s face as he leaned his head against Grian’s, softly humming as he closed his eyes. “I guess not… we’ve got no music though.” He points out, more like an afterthought as he slowly relaxes into Grian’s hold.

A few seconds passed, and a melodic whistle softly floated through the air, cutting through the silence. Scar’s grin was back full force, feeling the chest underneath his vibrate with the notes.

Grian was singing for him.

“You’re wonderful…” Scar muttered, tilting his head and pressing a kiss into Grian’s dirty blond hair. The alpha’s singing stopped, replaced with little grumbles that told Scar Grian was absolutely pouting and blushing.

“Shut up.” Grian nipped, but Scar only laughed.

They danced in the living room for the next few minutes, Scar letting himself lean against Grian and trust he had him. Though, after a moment he gasped. “Grian! Your gift!” He leaned away, but Grian quickly tightened his hold around his waist.

“Scar, you don’t have your cane!” Grian reprimanded, moving them over to where he set his cane down and handing it to the omega, giving him a moment to recollect himself before Scar sped off toward his room.

He dropped down onto his knees next to his bed, only slightly wincing with the drop, and nearly shoved himself underneath the framing to reach a small blue box. He shuffled out from underneath his bed before dusting off the container, slowly pulling himself up on his feet with his cane.

He looked up and saw Grian standing in the doorway, a little smile on his face. “What do you have there?” He hummed, shifting off the doorframe and moving closer.

Scar held the box close as he walked over, “It’s a little late, but…” Scar held out the little blue box, a soft smile on his face, “Merry Christmas, Grian.”

Gingerly, Grian took the box from Scar, carefully opening it. A quiet gasp left him and he reached into the box, pulling out a copper bracelet with charms of little flowers and tiny bees.

As Grian quietly looked it over, placing the box down and placing the bracelet on his wrist, Scar nervously shuffled from place to place, anxiety rolling in his stomach.

“Do you like it?” He asked a bit quietly, hopeful eyes staring at the alpha in front of him.

“Scar,” Grian began, looking up and moving close. He grabbed onto Scar’s collar once more, “I love it.” He grinned, tightening his grip on Scar’s collar before pulling him into a kiss once more.

After a day of server-wide hangovers, Scarland was cleaned up and returned to its normal, unfestive state. During the first month of their new relationship, Scar couldn’t believe how suddenly shy he was. At every little bit of affection, he turned as red as his mate’s favorite sweater, tripping over his words and stumbling on his feet. (Well, he did that anyway, but he’s doing it more now!).

(Though, it was funny seeing how red Grian got when telling Mumbo off-server of their new relationship. The beta was so smug, retelling each will-they-won’t-they moment he had to endure.)

Scar had gone all out for Grian, orchestrating cheesy dates within Scarland, like the romantic he was. He wore the earrings Grian gifted him proudly, only taking them off to sleep. Even though it was winter and Grian hated the snow, he still seemed to have fun with each date Scar took them on. Even after Scar dumped snow down the back of his shirt, ending in them rolling around on Main Street fake wrestling (and if it led to some “fake wrestling” up in his apartment, that was only for the two to know).

Scar even managed to get in some biome building between his body screaming at him and Grian holding him down so he didn’t get up. His heat was late and his body was not happy about it, making his usual aches ten times worse, shooting up his back and his joints felt more terrible than ever.

It put a pause on his castle building, which he was not happy about. But, he couldn’t complain when his lovely boyfriend (his boyfriend! He has a boyfriend!) kept him company and catered to his every need and whim.

A week or so later, Hermes had his first birthday! After setting up a more permanent entry between servers (a separate, smaller version of the Hub portal), the trip was much less nauseating, but still some in its own way. The boy had lots of fun and many, many presents to open, crashing after having his birthday cake.

(Scar moved next to Joel, leaning in a bit, “Hey, I have a question…” He makes a confused face, tilting his head, “How come it’s Hermes’ first birthday, but he looks at least three? Is it god genes or something?”

Joel’s face falls at the question before his lip quirks up in a somber smile, his petrichor scent wilting. “Sorry Scar, maybe some other time. It’s… personal.”)

January came and went, February taking its place like clockwork. And with the new month came more amazing days with his mate. Grian mostly slept in Scarland at this point but was usually out at his own base during the day if Scar didn’t need him.

A lazy day was a few and far between, mostly because the two had passion projects they simply enjoyed working on, and by the time they were both in bed together they were too tired to do anything but sleep.

Of course, some days are more forgiving than others.

After a particularly rough day of working on Scarland, Scar needed a break. And being the perfect mate he was, Grian knew just what would help him relax. It started off with gentle kisses and slow-roaming hands, as it always does.

Really, the two intended for this time to be sweet and slow, but after a good two weeks and a half of no sexual action, it left the two feeling an inferno of lust and arousal. Which, led to…

Heavy breaths filled the bedroom of Scar’s apartment, Scar sucked at the indent of Grian’s neck, legs wrapped around his torso as the two feverishly rolled their hips together like they were trying to start a fire with their crotches. Their breaths huffed together harshly, rough and animalistic as they nipped and grabbed at every square inch of skin.

Shirts were pulled off, though pants still remained on like the two got lost in the friction to pull apart long enough to remove the clothing. Though, not even five minutes into their wild rutting, a buzz sounded from their discarded comms.

“Ignore it,” Scar murmured, pulling Grian closer, knowing the alpha would pull away. “You can read it later, I’m priority—”

Grian quieted Scar with his lips, and when he tried to pull away Scar chased him, keeping their lips together. Grian laughed against the omega’s mouth, finally managing to pull away. “Just for a moment, I won’t leave you.”

Grian tries to pull his hips away, but Scar tightens his legs around him, shaking his head, “Mm-mm, not allowed to leave.” Scar spoke, before squealing when Grian lifted him up, laughing as Grian’s arms wrapped around him to hold him up.

“I’ll just take you with me then.” Grian compromised, walking off with Scar in his arms, leaning down to pick up their comms from where they had been tossed. Grian gasped, and Scar looked over his shoulder to look at what was happening. “What?” Scar spoke, reaching to grab his own comm and opening it.

MumboJumbo has joined the server.

The two looked at each other for a long moment, before quickly pulling apart, scrambling to put their clothes back on and make it seem like they weren’t about to have sex. And after trying (and failing) to seem put together, the couple launched out of the base, heading for spawn.

“There you two are!” Familiar nectar scent wafted in the air, and Scar forgot how much he missed Mumbo. They hadn’t seen him since before Double Life! Oh, how things have changed since then.

Scar didn’t even try to land, immediately diving for Mumbo and Grian doing the same. Unfortunately, Scar landed a bit from Mumbo, stumbling against the ground but managing to get stable with the help of his cane. He looked up just in time to watch Grian divebomb Mumbo and doze him over, falling onto the ground as Mumbo screeched high octaves.

Scar burst out laughing, doubled over as Grian wrestled Mumbo (well, more like Grian was attacking the poor beta, Mumbo desperately trying to fend off the avian).

“Grian, get off me!” Mumbo yelled, and surprisingly Grian actually listened. He pulled at Mumbo’s arm until he stood up properly. Grian then grabbed onto Scar’s arm, pulling him in to wrap around Mumbo.

Scar yelped a bit before laughing, clinging onto Mumbo just as much as Grian was. The group of three held onto each other tightly, laughter slowly simmering into a peaceful embrace. Scar wouldn’t have this any other way…

A sniff sounded above his head. “Well, you two surely were busy before this?” Mumbo hummed, eyebrow raised. The two attached to him froze, growing dark red.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Grian spoke, not looking up at his best friend.

“Bud, you both reek and I can see the hickeys on you both.”

“Shut! Up!”

“Momma!”

Scar let out a gasp, quickly turning around just in time to catch his baby girl. The toddler laughed in his arms, big wings flapping like crazy.

“Well hello there!” Scar grins, lifting his daughter over his head before bringing her down to tickle under her chin, getting squeals and loud laughter from her.

“Stop! Stop!” She gasped, little giggles leaving her when Scar obliged. Scar softly chuckled, pulling her close and hissing her forehead, “Did you have fun with papa today?” He hummed, turning to sit on a bench just past the section of Scarland he was working on.

The toddler nodded, a thumb sticking into her mouth as she spoke around it, “Uh huh, papa said you can get me candy, momma.”

Scar let out a big sigh. Why did Grian promise her that? Scar gently pulled the thumb from her mouth, calmly speaking, “We can’t have candy right now, baby.”

He tried to speak softly, though his daughter did not appreciate this. Her face scrunched up, big upset eyes blinking up at Scar. “I want it!”

“Baby, no. We’ve gotta eat dinner first.” He tried, but it fell on deaf ears, his daughter only hearing no and that’s that. She flailed about in upsetness, face turning red before she shrieked, a temper tantrum taking place.

Scar quickly tried to settle the girl, as she was still in his lap and he didn’t want her to fall, “I know, I know you’re upset— but we can get candy later!”

“No!” The dirty blond girl suddenly reeled her leg back, cheeks puffed up and red as her wings shook in upsetness. Scar’s eyes widened when he realized her foot was aimed at his stomach.

“Little missy, do not kick—” Scar couldn’t get the sentence out, the toddler snapping and launching her foot directly into his—

“Augh!”

Scar jolted awake, a hand flying to his stomach as a painful cramp rolled through him. He took breaths through gritted teeth, eyes squeezed closed. Slowly, he felt arms snake around his middle, and an eye opened. He watched Grian place his face into his hip and he huffed affectionately.

It was two days after Valentine’s Day, early in the morning (sometime around 7 AM). The days before were incredibly sweet, heartfelt gifts and a lovely date that ended in a movie that had Scar asleep leaning against Grian before it was even finished.

After the painful cramp that woke Scar eased up, he spoke, “Either my period is finally here and it’s taking vengeance, or it’s finally my heat.” He runs a hand through Grian’s dirty blond hair, “It’s normal, I’m okay.” He reassured his mate.

Grian merely grumbled, “Doesn’t mean I like seeing it happen…” He tilts his head up to pout at Scar. “You’re in pain.”

“I am.” Scar frowns, but he pats at the hand over his stomach, “But I’ll be alright, let’s get up, walking helps sometimes.”

For the next half hour, Scar and Grian took the time around the Scarland apartment. Scar stood by the entrance to the kitchen, weirdly enough his appetite was missing at the moment, just focused on the pain that routinely rolled through him. Grian held onto him almost stubbornly, a hand slowly massaging his lower stomach with each groan and hiss.

As the cramps got closer and closer together, Scar moved to actually sit instead of stand, the pain too much to try and balance on his already unstable legs. He pants slightly as a cramp subsides. He looks up as Grian returns from another room, holding a heating pad for him.

Scar scowls a bit, “I don’t think that’s gonna help anymore… run a bath for me?” He asks, looking up at Grian with pleading eyes.

Grian nods, placing the heating pad on Scar’s stomach still. He presses a kiss to Scar’s forehead, “Doesn’t hurt to try it, yeah? I’ll get that bath running for you.”

“My savior…” Scar murmured, pulling Grian down to place a kiss on Grian’s lips, letting the other slip away to get that bath ready.

By the time Grian returned to tell Scar the bath was ready, Scar was in an unbelievable amount of pain, Scar leaned across his table, groaning and whining. Grian gently scooped him up, murmuring soft praise into his ear as he moved towards the bathroom.

He set Scar against the edge of the tub, calmly undressing him so Scar didn’t have to do it himself. With each whine Grian gives a gentle shush, and after getting Scar undressed he helped him slide into the water of the tub.

Scar let out a little sigh, though it only helped minimally. He sunk into the water, softly humming. He felt Grian’s hands in his hair, taking the long strands out of its braid he put it in for sleeping. When the braid was completely undone, Grian began washing the strands, gently massaging his hands through his hair, making Scar sigh in pure satisfaction.

Grian grabbed a cup he snagged from the kitchen, tilting Scar’s head back and pouring water over his hair to get the shampoo out. Scar had closed his eyes as Grian continued, the feeling of his mate washing his hair calming him so much he didn’t even notice when his eyes slipped closed, effortlessly easing into sleep.

He was only out for a few minutes, but when his eyes opened again, Grian was finished with his hair. Scar let out a pained hiss, a loud whine escaping him. Something in him feels like it untightens, squeezing before popping deep in his abdomen. He rubbed at his stomach with a frown, closing his eyes as the cramp barreled through him.

He hears Grian get up and his head snaps toward him, eyes wide. Grian leaned down to press a kiss into Scar’s forehead, “I’m pretty sure this isn’t working as well as we want it to… I’m gonna fly over to the shops really quick and grab a few pots, okay?”

Scar only whined, reaching up for Grian but falling short, “Don’t go—”

Grian shushes him, “I’m only gonna be gone for a little I promise, I’ll be back soon.”

Scar pouted, watching Grian leave the bathroom with watery eyes, suddenly so incredibly emotional without his mate. He eased back into the tub, wincing and whining with each cramp. He grumbled to himself, great, now he’s gonna have to deal with his spawn being his bathtub until he can take a nap somewhere.

As each cramp shot through him like an arrow, Scar ended up sitting up slightly, gripping the sides of the tub. His grip shook harshly as he tried to breathe slowly, eyes squeezed closed. And suddenly, he was hit with the need to get something out!

He let out a yell as he curled forward, wet hair sticking to any skin it touched. He couldn’t get out of the tub, his cane was back in his room! He had no choice but to stay in the tub.

It was like his body turned against him and took control, because suddenly his body was pushing all by itself. Scar tensed as the pressure in him became too much too much TOO MUCH—

A scream ripped its way out of Scar’s throat, the Pain Pain PAIN too much to handle! He felt like he was being torn from the inside out, panting heavily as the cramp eased. He let out a loud whine, his hips and pelvis and everything down there felt like it was on fire, what was happening to him?!

Not even a minute passed before another cramp shot through him, and the urge returned, this time Scar tried pushing with his body. He just wanted it to stop, nothing was stopping the Pain was too much he can’t breathe he can’t breathe HE CAN’T BREATHE—

After what felt like years of torment, something leaves his body, a gasp of pure relief leaving him. Although he still felt pressure on his hips it felt like the world lifted off of his shoulders. It suddenly left him so exhausted, slumping down into the bath.

Something was in the water with him. His eyes snapped open, looking down at the water. He gasped at the deep red color that the water turned, Panic shooting through him. What happened, did he shit out his intestines or something?!

He quickly reached down into the water, feeling about slightly before finding a mass in the water, freaking out for a split second before lifting it with both hands. He froze.

A newborn was scrunched up in Scar’s hands, an impossible amount of wet dark brown hair covering their— her head. Scar quickly fixed his hand positioning, one set against her head so it didn’t just flop around.

“Oh my void.” He wheezed out, Shock the only thing he could feel at the moment. He felt lightheaded, needing to lay back before he lost balance just sitting up.

He laid the baby on his chest, water lapping at her lower half. He just watched as she squirmed around, face scrunched up before she suddenly wailed!

Before he could even move, the bathroom door slammed open. Scar jumped, head whipping towards the noise, and seeing his mate in the doorway, wings flared in surprise, a look of Panic on his face, a shulker box under his arm.

Scar couldn’t explain the Fear Panic Shock Panic that ran through him, he couldn’t think, the baby (his baby, he just gave birth—) was crying so loudly, the water felt disgusting now, he was in so much pain everything was too much too MUCH—

Scar let out a scream as the cramps— no, contractions (he was having contractions—) started up once more. He heard Grian move before he ever saw him, opening his eyes (when did his eyes close?) and seeing Grian by his side. So many things were coming through the mate link he couldn’t focus on it, too many things were happening too much too—

“—ar, Scar focus on me, okay? Tell me what happened, what— you were pregnant—”

As Grian was sputtering over himself, Scar felt the need to push. His eyes widened.

“There’s another one!” He shouts over his baby girl’s cries, curling in slightly with a groan. Grian straightened up, eyes shrinking in Panic, “What?!”

“There’s ANOTHER ONE!” He yelled at Grian before screaming as his body forced him to push, but he was too tired to keep his legs up, tears streaming down his face as he was pushed past his limit.

His vision blurred from the tears, but he heard water splashing and felt hands on his legs positioning them up and in the right position (or, as right as they think). Scar cries harder, his mate was so good to him.

It took five minutes, Scar’s body tired after pushing out the first baby before another followed. Scar watched as Grian pulled another baby out of the murky water (it was another girl, he had two daughters).

Grian patted at the younger newborn’s back, murmuring to her before she sputtered, sucking in a breath before joining in on her older sister’s wails, though the older’s began to taper off. Scar relaxed back into the tub, noticing the twitching appendage at the base of the younger’s spine. Scar smiled weakly, his daughter had his tail, and trailing a hand down his oldest’s back he learned the same was for her.

Scar reached his unoccupied arm out, whining towards Grian. Give him his baby, he wants his baby! Grian looked over and gave a small, unsure smile, “I don’t want your hands to be full—”

Scar growls, the twins’ cries spiking for just a moment. “Or I could give you the baby, yep—” Grian quickly changes his mind, slowly leaning down to place the second girl on Scar’s chest.

Scar calmed instantly the moment he had both newborns. He gently brushed a finger down his youngest’s head, noting the color of her hair was lighter than her sister’s. He cooed softly towards the girls, his scent spilling out calming pheromones that finally eased his daughters into quietness.

For that blissful moment, everything was right in the world. Scar looked up towards his mate, watching the alpha pace back and forth while on his comm. “What are you doing?” He murmured, and Grian’s head lifted to look at Scar.

Grian smiled, but Scar could feel the Nervousness Grian exuded. “I’m texting X, you still need some help— you know, getting the rest of everything done—” He walked over and placed a hand on Scar’s cheek, brushing brunette hair from his face before placing a kiss on his forehead.

“I’m not going anywhere…” He murmured, another kiss pressing into Scar’s skin, “I’m gonna stay right by your side, okay?” Funnily enough, Scar thought Grian needed that reassurance more than he did.

Though, Scar still nodded, a smile pulling at his lips, “Okay.”

It didn’t take long at all for Xisuma to show up, only about a couple minutes or so before the admin was knocking on the front door. Grian got up and opened the door for him, and when they entered the bathroom Xisuma had gotten right into it.

He helps Grian cut each of the twins’ cords, Xisuma settling the two children in Grian’s arms as he helps Scar pass the afterbirth. Finally, things seemed to calm down.

“Alright,” Xisuma spoke, sitting up from beside the tub. Scar slowly blinked at him, tiredly leaning against the side of the bath. Xisuma’s voice was slightly muffled, making Scar scrunch up his face in confusion.

His vision blurred, and he tried to blink it away but his eyes seemed to work in slow motion. He heard voices, trying to turn his head to look at who spoke, but he couldn’t. The colors of Grian came into view, blurry but he could feel the Worry deep in his chest, but even then it was hard to focus on. He felt so heavy…

Black splotches grew in his vision, and suddenly everyt hi n g j u s t

GoodTimeWithScar bled to death.

Scar was pressed up against... something. He couldn’t tell what it was, his eyes refused to open so he could see. There was a high-pitched sound, constant and wavering. Maybe two identical sounds instead of one.

Whatever he was pressed against vibrated oddly, no real rhythm to it. Slowly, the world both got clearer and slipped further through his fingers. He was cold, colder than usual. His hair stuck to his face and his neck and his back. He was shivering, something dripped down his face and slid into the crevice of his eyelid.

"—st do something X! I can’t— Scar please, open your eyes, squeeze my hand, anythi—"

His hand clung onto the soft fabric of what he was leaning against. He tried so hard to open his eyes, to recognize who was calling his name. But he couldn’t. The world faded around him once more.

GoodTimeWithScar bled to death.

Everything buzzed at his ears, slowly growing louder and more clear like trudging through slime. He heard sounds, muffled before clearing into voices. He smelt different scents in the air, burnt bread and rotting honey, and… his face scrunched up, slow with the effort. Sugar?

After what felt like hours, Scar’s eyes peeled open. The first thing he saw was a plaid red shirt, blurred at the edges until everything came into focus. He heavily blinked, a hand twitching up to lift. The plaid shirt shifted, and the face of Keralis greeted him.

The omega gave a smile, though it looked a bit worried. “Hey sweet face…” He murmured, moving closer and kneeling beside him, “How are you feeling? Sorry if something feels out of place, we had to move you out of the tub.”

Scar makes a weak, confused noise. His eyes drift down and take note of the blanket over him and the loose bathrobe hanging around his frame, the clothing pieces and bedspreads that made up his and Grian’s nest underneath him. Oh. They moved him to his bed.

Scar’s eyes swept the room, mouth opening to speak, but nothing but a small whine left him. Keralis seemed to know what he was asking for anyway, leaning forward into his field of vision. “Brian’s just over here, don’t worry!” He gestures just over his shoulder, and Scar spotted an armchair that was definitely moved from the living room in the corner.

Grian looked a mess, wings puffed up and laying over himself, nearly hiding him away. His hair was messy and unkempt, he was messy and unkempt. Scar spotted Xisuma preparing shulker boxes. The alpha’s eyes crinkled behind his helmet, the telltale sign of a smile.

“Poor guy’s been asleep for a few now.” He spoke, setting the shulker box in his hands aside before facing Scar. “You hemorrhaged pretty badly. It was because the server didn’t program that specific death in, since player breeding is firmly off.” Oh, fun! His body couldn’t even handle pregnancy!

Xisuma looks a bit exhausted, a sigh leaving the pack leader, “We eventually stopped you from bleeding out until your code corrupted, but it… it hit him pretty hard. The moment you were stable he went incredibly quiet, hasn’t quite spoken up since. He blamed himself for it happening.” Scar huffs, face scrunching up in distaste. His dumb alpha.

“That’s dumb…” Scar murmured, to which the pack leaders laughed.

“You know Brian, how he is.” Keralis spoke, though he sat up a bit, “But how are you feeling?”

“Like I got put through a shredder…” Scar grumbled, blinking up at Keralis. A sympathetic look crosses the other’s face, “We set up some potions for you when yours wears off, yeah?”

Keralis then makes a face, wincing slightly, “And… Well, the baby girls haven’t eaten yet, and they will definitely be hungry when they wake… and well, we’re going off server soon to get some supplies for you. We wanted to ask if you wanted to breastfeed or bottle feed? Right now obviously they’ll need to be breastfed but—”

Scar’s head spun from the onslaught of questions, blinking owlishly at Keralis. “Um— maybe both? So Grian can feed them too—”

Speak of the devil, Scar was cut off as a whine cut through the air, coming from inside Grian’s wings. Grian’s eyes snapped open, sucking in a quick breath of pure parental Panic before his head snapped down, peering underneath rainbow feathers.

A wing pulls back, and Scar’s breath leaves him. In each of Grian’s arms, a lovely, healthy little scrunched-up darling lay. The younger, lighter-haired child lay squirming ever so slightly, pudgy hands flexing and legs kicking about. The arm she was lying in gently bounced her, Grian’s gaze never leaving her.

“She’s whining… what do I do now?” He muttered, tucking her close to try and shush her, but also trying not to wake the other newborn in the crook of his opposite arm.

Keralis sat up from his spot beside Scar, a smile on his face, “Well, generally hungry children need to eat!” He stands up, his sugary scent exuding calm pheromones as he moves closer to Grian, “I can hand off the little lady to Scar so you don’t have to bother this one here.”

Even with the calming pheromones, Grian let out a weak protective growl, his wing closing over the newborns once more. Though, his brain seems to kick in, eyes widening, “Scar?” He snaps his head over to the bed, eyes locking with Scar’s.

Grian visibly brightens, his scent getting that much sweeter. “Scar…” His voice soft, eyes holding so much Joy and Concern. “Are you feeling okay?”

A smile slowly spreads on Scar’s face, wobbling and wavering as Grian shows him so much obvious love, not even dampened by the daughters in his arms. Perhaps that fact amplified the affection he felt. Scar doesn’t think he’ll ever know the answer. And if one day he will, he most definitely will never get used to the answer.

Scar slowly nods at Grian’s question, “Yeah, I’m… I’m better. Apparently, I do need to feed her though, so…” He shifts to sit up, hissing slightly as dull pain ripples up his back. Xisuma makes his way over, slowly helping Scar sit up and placing an armful of pillows behind him for cushioning.

Scar nods his thanks to Xisuma before looking back to Grian, though he spots the whining child no longer in his arms, now just holding their sleeping oldest. His eyes flick over to Keralis, who was making his way over as he cooed at Scar’s daughter. The girl was so obviously still mostly asleep, if the volume of her cries were anything to go by.

“Here you go, sweet face…” Keralis murmured, lowering Scar’s baby into his awaiting arms. Scar watched her for a moment, a teary-eyed smile on his face, thumb gently rubbing against tiny curls, “Hi baby… I’m your momma…”

The sentence alone caused the tears to fall from his eyes. This had to be a dream, he must be sleeping. There’s no way he was living in such a perfect world…

She began to whine louder, and Scar took that as a sign to hurry up and start feeding her already. He wiped at his face for a quick moment before tucking her close, opening his bathrobe, and trying to get her to latch.

It took a minute, only working with vague knowledge and guesstimations, but he gets his baby to start suckling soon enough. He makes a face at the slight pulling sensation, “Ugh, that feels weird…”

Keralis chuckled, “You’ll get used to it. If you want to go full bottle feed you can, it’s your boobs.”

Scar only shook his head, “No, I’ll get used to it…” He muttered. He watched his baby girl eat her first meal ever, her face calm and body curled up. She looked so peaceful, eyes closed…

His head tilted up when he heard the door open, Xisuma and Keralis by the door. How long had he been zoned out? Xisuma smiled at him, “We’ll be back soon with supplies for you.”

Keralis playfully elbows his mate in the side, “Might have to step over a few bodies, eh?”

Scar tilts his head in confusion, “What?” Xisuma takes a deep breath, “Well, after the severity of your death loop most of us Hermits began camping out on Main Street, they’ve been out there since…” He lifts his comm, checking the time, “Three hours ago.”

Scar’s face melts at the alpha’s words. They really cared enough to wait outside just to make sure he’s okay? Oh goodness. Oh, he might actually cry.

The smell of fresh bread grew closer, and a hand gently cupped Scar’s cheek. He instinctively leaned into his mate’s touch, eyes turning upward just in time to watch Grian place a kiss on his cheek. “Just relax, everything’s being handled, okay?”

Scar slowly nods, and he settles back against the headboard, focusing on the little one feeding from him. His face scrunches up a bit. “We should give them names…” He murmured. He looked to Grian, who had moved the armchair closer to the bed.

Grian was quiet as he sat back, eyes on the little one in his own arms, lifting a hand to trace the sleeping oldest’s face, “We should… but it shouldn’t be rushed. We could think of… something to call them in the meantime? Like—”

“Missy.” Scar interrupted quickly, looking at the brunette in Grian’s arms. “I… I kept dreaming of a Missy, and she looks exactly like her. Well— for the most part…” Scar trailed off, looking down at his robe. The newborn underneath seemed to have nearly fallen asleep, but still suckling away.

It was quiet for a moment, before Grian spoke up, “You want this little one I have to be Missy?” He didn’t sound judgemental, just trying to understand.

Scar nods, “It feels right.”

“Alright,” The smile on his mate’s face was audible, “She can be Missy.”

Scar looks down when he feels squirming, watching his little girl wake up more. He coos at her, gently patting her back, “What’s the fuss?” Thankfully she didn’t seem to be whining, just wiggling around.

He hums, running a thumb against her tiny curls. It kinda looked like ruffled petals…

“What about Flower?” Scar spoke, looking to Grian. Grian made a confused face, “Flower?”

Grian looked at the wiggling infant, humming, “She kinda looks like a flower, actually.”

“Doesn’t she?” He cooed, feeling through curled blond on her head, “Do you like that nickname? Flower?”

The newborn, now nicknamed Flower, simply wiggled about, her tiny tail fluffed with hair the same color as the hair on her head uncoordinated whipping around.

“I’ll take that as a yes…” Scar murmured, laying back and finally relaxing. He closed his eyes, melting into the pillows behind him. He’ll just rest his eyes for a moment…

Something left his arms, and suddenly Scar’s eyes snapped open, jolting awake with a gasp, his scent spiking in Panic! His— someone was taking his— someone was—!

Fresh bread invaded his nose, and he involuntarily calmed. “Shh Scar— it’s okay, just switching them out so Missy can eat—” Grian’s voice cut through his conscious, eyes finally focusing on the image before him.

Grian gently gave Scar Missy, who was whining and hiccupping, most likely having just woken up. Like on autopilot, Scar shifted her to his opposite nipple, helping her latch on. The newborn rooted against his skin for a moment, searching for the source of food before calming completely when she found it.

Scar looked down at the baby girl in his arms, the outrageous amount of brunette hair covering her scalp. He couldn’t help but tear up. "We have a baby..." He muttered, a thumb rubbing the back of the newborn, his pinky sticking out so her tiny tail could latch onto the digit.

"We have two babies, Scar." Grian reminded, sitting back in the armchair as he had Flower held up against his chest, trying to burp her. "You gave birth to twins."

The words only served to make Scar tear up more, his waterline flooded with tears before they slipped past and down his cheeks. He hiccuped, the action moving his chest and therefore the baby on top of it. "We have two babies! I’m gonna cry—"

Grian gives a bit of a chuckle. It amused him how Scar could be brimming with love so quickly and effortlessly. "You’re already crying, Scar." He’s cut off as his youngest daughter finally burps, cooing at her as she fusses, "Oh I know Bubby, that was such a good burp! Good job..."

Scar sniffed, looking at Grian with watery eyes, “Bubby?” He cooed the term of endearment, which made Grian’s face turn pink.

“Ah— yeah, I kinda started calling them Wubby and Bubby while you were— out.” He confessed, bouncing Flower in his arms.

Scar cooed, his tail quickly pap pap paping at the pillows behind him, “You call them Wubby and Bubby? Wubba and Bubba?”

“Scar,” Grian hissed, face even redder. Scar only cooed more, Adoration pouring from him like water. “It’s so cute! Wubby and Bubba, you’re my little Wuvvy aren’t you? Yesss you are—” He baby-talked, chuckling when Missy waved a tiny fist around.

“Is Scar baby-talking?” A familiar voice spoke, and Scar gasped, looking over to Grian, “Are you on a call with Mumbo?” He excitedly asked, pine sweetening in the air.

Grian nods, “He called asking how you’ve been. I didn’t tell him anything but that you fell asleep, but if you want to talk go ahead.”

Scar lights up, a grin taking over his features, “Mumbo, I had surprise twins!”

Silence stretches on the call, Mumbo replies a few seconds later, “Pardon? Are you saying you gave birth?”

“Yep.” Scar sighed, wincing as he shifted, “I’ve got the bundles of joy and shooting pain to prove it.”

“Ah.” Mumbo paused for a second before continuing, “Yeowch.”

The room went silent, the only sounds being Missy heavily enjoying her meal and Flower trying to resist a nap.

“Did you just say yeowch—?”

“It was an instinctual response!”

You messaged cubfan135: remember when you asked me when i was due

cubfan135 messaged you: what

Scar snickers at the completely baffled tone of the text, rocking Flower in his arms as the baby girl takes a well-deserved nap from her screaming fest. He opens the camera and snaps a picture of his younger baby, showing how tiny her hand looked wrapped around his finger.

You messaged cubfan135: well it was today, apparently
[Image Attached]

cubfan135 messaged you: WHAT
cubfan135 messaged you: SCAR. SCAR SCAR

Scar laughed out loud this time, turning to snap a picture of Grian with Missy, the photo slightly blurry from his shaking laughter.

You messaged cubfan135: [Image Attached]

cubfan135 messaged you: ANOTHER ONE???

Scar laughed some more at that, wiping at his face as tears pricked the corner of his eyes. He heard Grian’s own chuckles, and he looked up to see Grian’s Confused yet Amused face.

“What are you laughing at?” He spoke, trying to soothe a whiny Missy. Scar merely giggled, “Telling Cub we had twins in the funniest way possible.” He pulls his robe open slightly, “Switch, Missy’s hungry.”

Grian made a face, but stood to swap the children in their arms, “How do you know that?” He asked, holding their sleeping Flower close as he sat back down.

Scar simply gave Grian an amused look, “She was practically rooting against you.” He spoke, and just as he suspected, Missy immediately latched onto his chest, suckling away.

He sighed as he nursed their daughter for what felt like the millionth time today (even though it was really just the third time). He looked down at Missy in his arms, leaning down to kiss her head before wincing at the stretch. He looked down at the blanket over his legs, knowing his postpartum underwear was snug around his hips.

“I feel like I’m wearing a diaper.” He spoke, turning his head to look at Grian. His mate gave him a sympathetic look, “I’m sure you’ll get used to the feeling, it won’t feel like that for long.”

“Mmm, I think it will.” Scar objected, looking back down to Missy. He cooed at her, tickling a finger under her chin, “You made my vagina hurt like hell, yes you did!”

He heard Grian choke, loud laughter spilling from him, “Scar!”

“What? She did!” Scar points to Flower in Grian’s arms, “She did too! Wubby was definitely worse, though.”

Grian groaned a bit, face blooming in pink, “You’ll never let those nicknames go, will you?”

“Nope!” Scar spoke, as chipper as ever (or, as much as he could be, on bed rest). “Wubby and Bubby will live in my heart forever.”

Scar looks over to the side of the bed Grian was sitting on, the shulker boxes Xisuma and Keralis dropped off stacked against the wall. The folding bassinets they had gotten sat on the opposite side of the bed, but Scar didn’t think he would set down his girls any time soon.

Scar sighed, he’s grateful for Xisuma and Keralis, really! They had gotten them the essentials of keeping a baby alive, formula, diapers, wipes, bath stuff, tiny pajamas that just looked way too small to fit anyone ever (they fit Missy and Flower almost perfectly. Scar cried when they were all cozied up), and everything else Scar could barely wrap his head around.

But… he was just so overwhelmed with this all. He had been put on bed rest for his health (honestly he could bet he couldn’t even stand right now), Xisuma had to check his and his daughters’ codes for stray glitches, or whatever he said. Scar was more occupied making sure Grian didn’t attack the other alpha for being so close to his mate and children.

(Though it was really funny to see the pack leader just as affected as his mate when Scar pumped out as many soothing pheromones as he could. Seems like that also changed after giving birth.)

He just hoped the feeling of hopelessness and feeling like he was lost in a thick fog would go away soon. However, when he looked over to Grian with desperate eyes, his mate always came to his rescue, soothing him just like Scar would to him.

They’ll be okay. He’s sure of it.

GoodTimeWIthScar: Helloooo hermit ensamble!

Renthedog: SCAR!!!!!

Zedaph: there he is!!! the man, the myth!!!

joehillssays: oh my goodness its scar!!

iJevin: you doing alright?

GoodTimeWithScar: Yes yes, I’m doing just fine now! Just had a suprise that needed our attentions!

PearlescentMoon: Huh??

GoodTimeWithScar: [Image Attached]

hypnotizd: oh wow

BdoubleO100: WHAT

Renthedog: WOAAAHHH

ZombieCleo: PARDON WHAT

PearlescentMoon: I’M AN AUNT????

Grian: thats not all
Grian: [Image Attached]

falsesymmetry: another one?!

cubfan135: thats what i said

GeminiTay: GRIAN GET OFF OF HIM

Docm77: oh no theres more of them

Etho: congrats!

PearlescentMoon: I’M AN AUNT OF TWO????

GoodTimeWithScar: Thanks Etho :D

Chapter Text

A scream erupted through the Scarland apartment, this time not from one of the newborns sleeping in their bassinets. Scar sat up with a gasp, quick to turn and console his mate. Nightmares ran rampant in the apartment; either he or Grian would scream awake, usually waking their daughters as well, if not from the volume then from the burnt smell of their scents.

Those mornings, no one really got anything done besides baby necessities. And as if on cue, whimpering and whining sounded from the twins’ bassinets. The brand new parental instincts in Scar itched for him to get up and soothe his babies, but he knew they’d settle within the minute; his mate needed him.

The avian shook in his arms, and Scar quickly pushed his nose into the scent gland on his neck. Rainbow wings wrapped around Scar as he pressed a kiss into Grian’s hair. “I got you, don’t worry…” Scar murmured, “I’m still here, we’re okay…”

Ever since Scar gave birth (which was only a couple of days ago now) the two have had rampant nightmares, but Grian’s were far worse than Scar’s. He has nightmares about everything, all of the games (Third Life especially), the twins’ birth. Hell, he had nightmares about when they first met, when Scar drowned in that damned pond.

Scar wondered if his existence ever gave Grian any kind of peace. But then, Grian looks at him like he was made of the prettiest stars, like he was the earth to his moon. Grian laughs at all of his stupid jokes and faces, even if they really aren’t all that funny. Grian sings to him when he can’t sleep; he makes up melodies so that Scar would be the only one who knows the tune.

And well, Scar knows that had to have meant something greater than anything.

Sooner than later, Grian calmed completely, lying against Scar as his body eased. The whines of their daughters calmed minutes prior, slipping back into sleep without any more fuss. Scar gently ran a hand through dirty blond, “Feeling better…?” He asked, his voice rough from sleep.

Grian grumbled a bit, shifting slightly before lifting his head up. Scar smiled at his mate, opening his mouth to properly greet him, but the only thing that came out was a surprised squeak when Grian immediately planted his face snuggly in between his boobs.

“Grian!” Scar quietly hisses, conscious not to wake their daughters for the second time. He pushed at Grian’s forehead to lift his head, but the alpha fought the action, only serving to bury his face deeper.

“Grian you need to breathe, stop—” Scar tried to reason, but Grian only lifted a hand to salute (or, kind of salute, since his forehead was very noticeably against the skin of Scar’s tits). Scar covered his mouth to muffle the uncontrollable cackle that left him.

Eventually, Grian rolls out of the warm embrace of Scar, slowly sitting up and doing a big stretch. His wings stretch high, nearly sweeping against the ceiling. Scar looks on with such adoration, a soft smile making its way to his face.

“You’re beautiful…” Scar murmurs, watching with a smile as Grian’s cheeks bloom in pink.

“Sap.” Grian jabs, but he leans down to press a kiss to Scar’s lips, pulling back near a centimeter to speak. “Sorry about waking you again…” He murmured, placing his forehead on Scar’s.

Scar leans up, pressing their lips together once more, “None of that, you can’t help it.” He pulled at Grian’s arm, urging him back down onto the bed. “Now get back in bed with me.”

“Scar Goodtimes, our daughters are in the room!”

“I am tired and will kick you out.”

“Yep, laying down now, sorry.”

“We need to give them names, you know,” Grian says, holding their youngest daughter in his arms as he slumped against the rocking chair in the room (or, the chair Mumbo took apart and put back together to rock for them). The baby girl was calm, vocal-wise, but she was wiggling up a storm. Grian handed her a finger, and her flinging, pudgy hand latched onto it.

Scar hums, lying in their bed as he nurses their oldest. His eyes slowly opened, like Grian speaking had woken him up. He let out a yawn, shifting Missy in his arms as a hand lifted to rub at his face. “What’d you say…?”

Scar and Grian loved their daughters more than anything in the entire universe, but taking care of two babies was so exhausting. They’ve gone through a giant chunk of their clothes in just three days, dishes and general cleanliness piling up. Scar’s pretty much stopped wearing a shirt, rocking a stain-filled bra most days.

Grian looked over to Scar, Flower now gnawing on his finger, almost aggressively for only being three days old. “Names. We need to think of some.”

Scar’s eyes closed, and he let out an indecisive grumble. “I don’t know... I like their nicknames. They could be their names…” He opens his eyes once more when his daughter shifts, looking down to see her large obsidian eyes watching him. He lifts a hand and brushes brunette hair from Missy’s forehead, and he’s utterly astounded by how much the newborn has.

“We’re not making their names Missy and Flower.” Grian’s voice spoke, and Scar turned his head to pout in his direction.

“Why not? I think they’re cute!” Scar gently swipes a finger back and forth across the back of Missy’s head. The newborn just grunts, unlatching for a moment to squeak in defiance before going back to peacefully nursing.

Grian looks to Missy with such adoration, but he still sighs. He pats Flower’s back when she squirms more wildly, squeaking in response to her sister. “I know they’re cute, that’s why I let you nickname them.” Scar lets out an offended noise, but Grian only continues.

“But you know they’re not gonna be babies forever. Missy and Flower are very cute nicknames, but I don’t think they’d make good, permanent names.”

Scar groans, leaning back against the headboard of their bed. “I hate it when you’re right. You’re so smug about it.”

Scar takes a moment to think, “What about Luka and Leia?”

“Absolutely no Star Wars.”

“Luke and Leia were twins!” Scar exclaims, “They would make lovely names for Missy and Flower!”

“I refuse to name any child we have after a Star Wars character!” Grian made his disagreement very clear, much to Scar’s dismay.

Scar's pout deepened, but before he could interject, Missy unlatches and scrunches up even more in his arms, nearly hiding in his hold as she whines and fusses.

“Baby switcheroo…” Scar spoke, quickly beckoning Grian closer to swap the children in their arms.

He smiled down at Flower, who was whining loudly now that she wasn’t trying to eat Grian’s finger. Scar gently cooed down at his youngest, coaxing her close until she latched onto his chest (the opposite boob Missy was drinking from, he learned his lesson with that).

He took the moment to slow down, focusing on the bonding he and his daughter were engaging in. Flower stared up at the ceiling more than at Scar with her big, void-like eyes. The more Scar looked at her beautiful eyes, the more he saw. Soft purple, scattered and twinkling sparsely around the pupil, creating a near ring of the color, but dim enough to only see up close. Or maybe, in the light, her eyes would shine a breathtaking galaxy.

“I love the purple in their eyes…” Scar murmured, his thumb gently swiping at dirty blond on the back of Flower’s head. “It reminds me of those purple flowers that bloom right before summer…”

The sound of Grian humming sounded beside Scar, but Scar was too busy watching his daughter to look up. “Alliums?” Grian questioned.

Scar nods, eyes never leaving his baby. “Yeah, alliums…” He mutters the word before his eyes slowly widen, his head lifting as he looks towards Grian. The alpha was a bit busy patting their oldest’s back, the newborn whining with the discomfort of air trapped in her.

“Allium.” Scar speaks like he finally solved a puzzle, and Grian looks up in confusion. “Yeah, that’s what they’re called—”

“Her name.” Grian pauses. His eyes look down at the nursing newborn on Scar’s chest before going back to Scar. “You… want to name her Allium?”

“It fits.” Scar justifies almost, staring down at Flower once more. “It’s a flower… and it’s purple. And Ally would make such a cute nickname…”

Scar knows he’s won Grian over the moment he could feel the surge of Love from his mate. “It is cute, I have to admit…”

Scar smiles, looking at his mate, his pine scent sweetening the bedroom air. “Allium?” He questions, Joy sparking in his chest when Grian nodded, echoing after him, “Allium.”

The alpha looks down at Missy in his arms, kissing the top of her head, “That just leaves you then, little Missy.”

Scar sighs, closing his eyes for the moment. “Ally was easy to think of… I’ve got no names for Missy.”

Grian hums once again. “How about… Melissa? It fits the nickname Missy, and it means bees. They get to match, and it makes sense.”

“That’s…” Scar’s face scrunches up a bit, looking up to Grian with confused eyes, “Why do you know that?”

Grian, however, simply waves him off, continuing his attempts to burp Missy. “That’s not important. Do you like it?” He asks, and Scar grumbles. He does like the name.

“Yes… for void’s sake Gri, pat harder, she can’t burp like that—”

A week into the twins’ lives, Grian and Scar decided it was time for Jellie to finally meet the two new additions to their family. Scar was getting stir-crazy sitting in their bed for so long, birthing his lovely infants absolutely wrecked his muscles, he could barely stand any longer than a few seconds.

They think the twins are a little more adjusted to living now, and they have to meet Jellie at some point. That, and Grian’s getting tired of constantly fighting to leave and enter their bedroom without letting the older cat inside.

So, Grian laid their daughters in Scar’s arms, Allium was peacefully asleep, mouth open and drool running down her chin. Melissa, on the other hand, was wide awake, her large eyes staring up at her momma.

Scar made a silly face at the older infant, chuckling when it didn’t even break her eye contact. “I hope they like Jellie…” He murmurs, looking up to Grian, the alpha scooting back the bassinets so there was more space to move.

“Well, it’s obvious Jellie already loves them.” Grian jokes, gesturing to the door. And sure enough, a little white and grey paw tucked underneath the door, feeling the other side like it would help her open the door on her own.

A meow sounded behind the door, and Scar laughed, “Okay, I think she’s waited long enough… let her in.” He speaks confidently, but there’s still that worried crease to his eyebrows. He holds his girls just that little bit closer, for his own comfort mostly.

Grian does as he’s told and opens the door slowly, to try and give Scar a little bit of time. However, Jellie had other plans. The second the door was open enough to slip through, Jellie barreled her way inside, making her presence known with little irritated meows.

Scar rolls his eyes, but he does feel a little bad. He looks down at the girls in his arms. “I’m sorry we didn’t let you in sooner, but I didn’t know how these two would react to you…” Missy’s fist flies up against his chest, the newborn’s eyes finally closed.

“They’re a little sleepy, but I’m pretty sure that’s normal…” The omega mumbles, his gaze turning to his beloved cat, seeing that she was looking very intensely at the bundles in his arms. Scar just chuckles a bit, eyes moving to look at his mate.

“Come, take Missy. Lighten my workload.” He jokes, letting his mate pick up the nodding-off newborn. Of course, Missy whined as she was moved, squirming in Grian’s hold until he held her close to his chest. With a gentle hand patting her back, Missy slipped deeper into sleep without a problem.

Scar chuckles when he realizes both of his girls fell asleep before they had a chance to meet Jellie. “Well, at least they won’t pull any fur.” He turns his attention to his cat, seeing Jellie had crept closer in the time it took for Grian to settle in beside him.

The omega gently patted the space beside him that he could reach at the angle he was lying against the headboard, “Come on up, Jels… come meet Missy and Ally.”

Jellie’s purrs seem to ramp up in intensity at the go-ahead, jumping up onto the bed with little fanfare. Slowly, Jellie moves forward, sniffing towards Ally in Scar’s arms.

Scar’s lip wobbles as Jellie presses her head into the little socked foot of Ally’s, the newborn not even rousing from the action. Jellie let out purrs upon purrs as she rubbed against the infant, lifting her head to look at the little bundle of joy.

When Jellie gave a slow blink, Scar let out a whine mixed with a sob, too emotional to keep it in. He looked toward Grian when his mate let out a soft croon, pouting heavily at the alpha.

“She loves them, Gri…” Scar managed to get out, tears building on his waterline like a too-full cup. Grian shifted the sleeping darling in his arm to cup his partner’s face, gently swiping his cheek with a thumb.

“I know, I know,” Grian spoke, cooing as he spotted Jellie coming closer to love on Missy as well. He gently pet Jellie between her ears with his offhand, letting her rub her face against Missy’s tiny curled-up fist. Scar let out a little choked coo, eyes welled up with tears.

“I told you she’d love them.” Grian teased gently, his thumb still lovingly caressing the omega’s cheek, wiping away any tears that happened to fall. Once Scar properly calmed down, he noticed Jellie had curled up in his other arm, her head settled on Allium’s little chubby legs.

Grian smiled at the pair, just knowing Jellie already loved them like her own. His gaze moves up towards his mate, and he bites his lip. “Do you think… It’s time for the pack to meet them, too?”

Scar sniffs a bit, but the smile on his face widens, and he nods to Grian. “Yeah, I think so… I’m ready.”

After an announcement in the main chat, the Hermits were overjoyed at the promise of seeing the two new additions to the pack. Though Scar and Grian had one condition: Pearl, Cub, and Mumbo were the first to meet Melissa and Allium.

The first of the three to arrive was, unsurprisingly, Pearl. The avian was, undoubtedly, very excited to meet her nieces. Her blue and yellow feathers were puffed up in her uncontainable excitement. Grian laughed at the sight when he opened the door.

Pearl huffed at her brother, “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, but I get to meet my absolutely perfect nieces today, so who wins here?” She jokes, moving inside. Grian rolls his eyes as he closes the door, his smile still ever so present. “Considering the fact that they’re my daughters, I’m pretty sure I win here.”

“Oh, nobody likes a show off.” Pearl tosses the remark over her shoulder, resulting in a resounding cackle from Grian.

“Now! Enough with getting off topic, kinda— How are you doing?”

“They’re doing great, Missy’s actually—” He pauses. Grian turns to look at his younger sister. “I’m sorry, did you just ask how I was doing?”

Pearl laughs at the perplexed look on the other alpha, “Yes! They may be new to the world, but you’re a new parent. That’s gotta be stressful. So, how are you doing?”

Grian paused. He never thought about that. He looks up at his sister, and just like that, his mask cracks. His face screws up and his lip begins to wobble. “I’m so scared, Pearl.”

Pearl opens her arms for Grian, and the shorter falls right into her arms. Pearl gently runs a hand down his head, cooing softly. “Let it out, big sis’ got you.”

“I’m older than you…” Grian grumbles into Pearl’s shirt.

“Only by ten minutes.”

Grian huffs, but just wraps his arms around Pearl, tightening his hold on her shirt. “They’re so little, Pearl. They’re so tiny and fragile, and we’re in charge of making sure they’re safe, and fed, and warm, and healthy, and— I wasn’t ready for this! Sometimes I feel like I can’t do it— they cry and cry and cry and I don’t know why! One cries and it sets the other off and suddenly they’re both inconsolable because if we calm one down, the other’s still crying and then the calm one just starts crying all over again!

And I can’t sleep. I’m so tired, but I can’t sleep! I keep getting these terrible nightmares, and I keep waking Scar up, and he needs to sleep because he had his body absolutely wrecked by the twins, but then I just end up passing out from exhaustion and the nightmares only get worse when that happens and—!”

Pearl wraps her wings completely around Grian, encasing him in blue and yellow feathers. Grian’s words trail off into warbles and croons, though even that fades off underneath the instincts of being held underneath warm feathers.

Gentle nails passed through Grian’s hair, and he knew it was his sister. They stood there for a while, Grian didn’t really pay attention to how long. Pearl pulled back her wings after a bit (maybe a few minutes?) and smiled at him. “All good?”

Grian took a deep breath, stepping back and wiping his face, “Yeah, all good.” He gives the other alpha a smile of gratitude (though not actually saying thank you. That’s his sister; he has a reputation to uphold). His smile widens a bit, and he points a thumb over his shoulder, “Wanna meet the twins now?”

Pearl’s wings immediately puff back up, causing Grian to laugh again but she pays no mind to it. “Yes!”

The visits went by swiftly after that, after Pearl had visited Mumbo followed shortly after. It was great to see him again, and the silly, awkward remarks the beta made only made the two new parents more at ease.

(Mumbo gave a short, nervous wave as he entered the room that held the new family. “Hey, shiny new parents.”

Scar burst into a laugh at the sentence, Missy waving a hand up at him from the movement on his chest. Grian snickered along, laughing outright at the look of awkwardness on his best friend’s face.

Scar took a deep breath when his laughing spiel calmed into small chuckles, “New? Yes. Shiny? Definitely not.”)

Cub visited after Mumbo had, the omega cheering Scar up more than Scar thought he would. The vex cracked a little joke about how technically, he knew about them before either of them did. Scar would’ve thrown something at him if he hadn’t been holding his daughter.

After that, the next visits were a blur, getting through all of their server members. When Cleo had visited, they said they were surprised they didn’t have little wings, jabbing a joke about not having to make wing holes in their onesies. That sparks up a small conversation in between visits, Just Scar and Grian with their baby girls.

(“Don’t you think it’s a little coincidental how I dreamt about Missy for literally my entire pregnancy…” Scar began, pausing a bit when Grian turned to look at him, the little lady of the hour peacefully looking up at him in her papa’s arms. “But... she has my tail instead of your wings?”

Grian hummed, slowly nodding, “Yeah, I guess so, that and she was a buy one, get one free special offer.” He jokes, tickling under Missy’s chin, though that only got the newborn to try and eat his finger.)

After a few more Hermits, Doc had entered the apartment. It was a bit funny to see the big, tall alpha practically hug the wall with the distance he put between them. Though when Scar ushered him closer, Doc slowly made his approach.

“These are the girls, Melissa and Allium… my Missy and Ally.” Scar happily introduces them, motioning to who is who as he speaks.

Doc smiled at the information, leaning in to take a closer look (and pointedly ignoring the narrowed eyes locked onto him from the other alpha in the room), “They’re very cute… Glad to know they came out healthy.”

Scar chuckles along, “Yeah, no thanks to me. You were hauling off those drinks like…” He trails off, coming to a very jarring realization. His eyes were wide as he looked up at Doc, disbelief on his face. “You… you knew?”

Doc looked up from looking at the twin girls, confusion on his face. “You didn’t? Scar. You were very obviously pregnant.”

Scar felt like the dumbest omega in the universe. “No! No, I did not know! You knew?!”

Scar felt his mate settle a hand on him, soothing pheromones causing Scar to relax. Doc looked a bit sheepish, though it was a bit hard to tell. “I didn’t mean to make you upset, I just…”

Scar shook his head, biting his lip, “No, it’s not fair to you if I blame you… You had no idea I didn’t know.”

A beat passes. Scar shifts the baby in his arms, “Do you want to hold her?”

Suddenly, Doc stiffened. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly take her from you—”

Grian gasped loudly, “Oh my goodness, is Doc M, overlord of chaotic redstone, scared of an infant?”

“Grian, you will shut up if you know what’s good for you—”

With the visits out of the way, ending with a check-up from Xisuma, the Hermits determined it was a perfect time to give out baby gifts! Many things were given to them, and they couldn’t get through them all at the same time if they tried. They got things ranging from clothes, courtesy of Cleo and Joe, to cribs, courtesy of all of the omegas on the server. Plus Etho, who even made the cribs rock! When Bdubs and Etho dropped them off, Scar couldn’t have been happier.

(“We’re the HOA!” Bdubs proudly exclaimed after his mate had put the cribs in the spots Scar wished, and Grian had gone to help him.

Scar owlishly blinked at Bdubs like he was seeing double. “A group of real mean old ladies?”

Bdubs huffs, hands being placed on his hips. “No, the Hermit Omegas Alliance!” He announces, chin held high.

Scar gives his fellow omega a confused yet amused smile. “I feel like we can think of a better name than that.”

“Well, tough nuts! The name stays!”)

Things were winding down now, and even though Grian was very protective of Scar and their girls, they finally felt like they were swimming after being thrown into the deep end. Scar had to do a bit of physical therapy for a while to help use his legs again after weeks of bed rest.

Initially, Scar felt like nothing was working; he was destined to never be enough for his daughters, for his mate. But, with unwavering support from not only his mate but the entire server, Scar didn’t give up. He still tried, if not for himself, then for his children.

As the months ticked by, the Empires pack was also introduced to Melissa and Allium, and they loved the girls just as much as the Hermits did. It had become almost a good luck charm for Scar to send a “baby photo of the day”, members even waited for it before going off to do their daily tasks.

Currently, Scar was giggling at his comm at all of the excited responses to the photo of Ally he sent. She was very cute in that photo, to be fair, her little hair tied up in a tiny sprout ponytail as she stared up at the ceiling.

Scar loved how their hair was coming in at just four months! And with the age, came many milestones that made Scar’s eyes water. His darling baby girls were rolling over now, grabbing onto things with purpose, laughing! His babies were laughing! He could barely believe it.

But before he could dwell on that, there was a knock on the door. Scar looked up from his spot on the couch, giving it a moment before placing Ally, who was lying on the couch beside him, back into her bouncing chair, buckling her in before stepping away to see who was there.

“Oh!” Scar lights up with a grin, “Jimmy!”

And sure enough, the blonde stood at Scar’s door. He looked a bit nervous, his posture was more drawn in, and Scar could see him twisting the hem of his shirt.

Scar gave him a friendly smile, opening the door wider, “Hey! Come on in, sit down! Only Ally’s here, Missy’s with her papa on a shop run.”

Jimmy stepped inside, letting Scar pass him and making way for his cane. “Oh, no. I didn’t come here for the girls, um…” Jimmy bit his lip, watching Scar sit back down. “I kinda… need help with something?”

Scar looked up from his spot, his foot gently bouncing Ally in her seat. “Oh! Yeah, no problem! Let me get my carrying sling for Ally, and I’ll be with you—”

Jimmy quickly shook his head, holding his arms out. “No, no— I just want some advice!” He quickly clarified, which made Scar stop and listen. “So, uh…” He awkwardly shuffled from side to side, like he didn’t know how to say what he wanted to say.

“I’m… pregnant?” He spoke like a question, and Scar gasped loudly. “What?! Oh my goodness! Congrats!”

Jimmy smiles at the excitement, his own bubbling up as well, “Yeah, I’m— I’m really excited about it, but…” His face falls into a bit of fear, “I have no idea how to tell Tango and Scott!”

Scar held out a hand to Jimmy, and the other omega reached out to take it. “Jimmy, Jims, my man. I think you may be stressing too much. You know what I think you should do?” He spoke, and Jimmy leaned forward, hanging on every word.

“Take them out for a picnic. It’ll be nice, and the calm air will make it easier to say!” Scar advised, and Jimmy paused.

“That’s actually a good idea…” He murmured, thinking it over. Scar smiled in pride. Jimmy points at Scar, “I’ll do it, but this stays a secret. I don’t want this somehow getting to Tango and Scott.”

Scar lifted a hand in mock surrender, the other over his heart. “I swear I will keep this information secret. With Grian.”

Jimmy gave Scar an unimpressed look. “Come on, he’s my mate! It’s impossible to keep any secrets from him!”

Jimmy sighs fondly, “Alright. Just… Don’t say anything to anyone else.” Scar smiles, patting the pregnant omega’s hand. “I won’t, I promise.”

After about a week, telling Tango and Scott the news that they were having a baby was one of the best things Jimmy had ever done. They were so doting, and Jimmy loved it, all of the attention and fretting.

Now, about three months later, they were recreating their picnic for a gender reveal. Jimmy had a healthy bump now, settled just above his pants. Jimmy was excited, the bare-bones cake sat on the picnic blanket in front of the three.

They each held glass cups, clear so they could see through them. Jimmy looked between the three of them with a big smile, “Are we ready?” He speaks.

Tango grins, his arm wrapped around Jimmy’s waist just so he could feel the curve their baby made. “As ready as I’ll ever be! Let’s get a move on!” He makes a whoop sound, the only reaction being Scott rolling his eyes.

“Okay!” Jimmy sat up onto his knees, unintentionally pulling away from Tango, much to his dismay. “On three. One… two…” He paused, “Two and a half—” He was cut off by a laugh when Scott nudged him to stop stalling.

“Okay— one, two, three!” And at the same time, the three stabbed their cups into the cake, pulling them out after a few seconds. Gasps and cheers moved around the group.

The inside was blue!

“A boy! We’re having a boy!” Tango laughs, his flame shooting high before scooping Jimmy up into a hug and kissing all over his face, leaning over to drag Scott in as well.

After celebrating the knowledge that they were having a son, Scott pulls back, turning like he was grabbing something. “I have a gift for you two.” He speaks, turning back with a hint of a smile. He held a small, thin box in his hands, reaching out to hand it over.

Jimmy makes an intrigued noise, taking the box in his hands. It kind of looked like the kind of boxes necklaces were in. “What is it?” He questioned, looking the box over. Tango leaned in to see what it was, his flame having died down.

Scott merely leaned back, arms behind him, with something of a coy smile on his lips. “Open it, I gave it to you for a reason.”

Jimmy huffed at the attitude, but opened it anyway. He had expected it to be a necklace, as the box's shape made obvious, but it wasn’t one. Inside was a thin, white plastic stick, nothing else.

Jimmy’s eyebrows screwed together, “What? What is this? It looks like a—”

He gasped loudly, a hand flying to slap over his mouth in shock as his head snapped towards Scott. Tango looked into the box, “What? What is it?” He reached inside, pulling out the stick. His flame shot up when he turned it over, spotting those unmistakable two pink lines. He looked over at Scott, his face drained of color.

The elf only grinned, leaning forward back into a sitting position and placing a hand on his stomach.

“Surprise, I’m also pregnant.”