One Thing [Eng version] [Extra]
Link to the story: One Thing
It was supposed to be a boring Monday night.
Eating candy, complaining about the price of cilantro, and, if the argument got heated enough, resolving their conflicts with a pillow fight. Or biting pillows. Depending on what popped up in the middle of the scuffle.
Harlequin was already set on the spicier option, keeping the lube in his pocket and swaggering into Pierrot's caravan, watching him curiously as he noticed him too absorbed in the cell phone he'd been gifted. Ticket Taker was tired of selling them, apparently, so he gave one to each of them, but the green one found it more fun to torment his boyfriend than to be typing on little screens.
The lanky one had insisted they give their relationship a title, and this seemed excellent to the snake, since it meant having the most lovesick fool he knew all to himself.
And oh. He had made him wait.
He jumped onto his strawberry‑with‑caramel's bed, smiling when Pierrot dropped the phone and turned to give him several kisses on the cheek, the corner of his mouth, his jaw. He smothered him with love, as always, making him melt in the pleasant contact.
Damn. Thank life for giving him such an intense partner.
Unfortunately, he was forced to stop the affection when he remembered the reason he'd come, also motivated by the hunch that he'd be eaten alive. Not literally. He pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes after a long night of work, satisfied with the adoration still present in his companion's gaze.
Pierrot smiled at him, tenderly caressing his lower back.
Maybe he'd been silent too long, since he couldn't explain the extreme sweetness wrapping those caresses, playing with the red one's locks while thinking of a topic to start a dispute. He ended up distracted when he noticed how attractive he looked with such a mane.
At this point, he couldn't picture the golden‑eyed one with short hair, snorting amusedly at the thought of him bald.
"What?" Without irony, the silver‑haired one broke the silence, frowning at the younger's obvious mockery. Anyone would get irritated if their partner laughed right in their face.
Harlequin shook his head, still with the trembling smirk, trying to lower his lover's anger with a long, soft kiss. His manipulative tactics worked, since Pierrot let himself be convinced, exploring the venomous mouth with his tongue when lip touches weren't enough to quench his thirst. The green one was grateful he didn't take it down his throat, feeling equally fulfilled with so much flesh in his mouth.
While being savored like the most appetizing meal, the dark‑haired one didn't protest when his colleague cornered him on the bed, caressing each other with a certain desperation, as if that would extinguish the flames on their skin. The older one moaned in the middle of the kiss when the curly‑haired one dared to squeeze his ass, delighting in that sound so close to his ears. He didn't want to get his hopes up, but he had the little hope the long‑haired one would finally give in and let him switch roles...
At least, that's what he thought until Pierrot's phone chimed and he lunged away, out of the snake's reach before he could stop him.
Instantly, his brain invented a thousand reasons why this would happen, clenching his jaw with his stomach bubbling in anger. There was one obvious option. Unbearably persistent in his head. He knew about dating apps, and he'd found his boyfriend glued to the phone when he arrived.
What more clues did he need to think the worst of the love of his life?
Feeling the vein in his neck throb intensely, he placed a hand not so gently on the other's shoulder, squeezing harder than necessary. Before judging him, anyone should consider he was putting his best effort into containing his rage, defeating his wild impulses to smash the device against a wall and accuse the cook of atrocities he had no proof of.
"Something wrong?" He dragged the words through clenched teeth in a tense smile, calming slightly when he saw no sign of nervousness from Pierrot. The latter raised a brow, visibly confused by the threatening tone, showing him the phone screen.
There was a notification confirming a file download: a video titled "You're the Love of My Life" or something equally uncreative, making Harlequin burst out laughing. Impossible. Was this sweetheart, having a cell phone with internet for the first time, really pirating a movie as his first idea?
He only hoped it wasn't from a virus‑ridden site...
The red one looked at him with puppy eyes, and the snake knew he wouldn't easily escape whatever he asked next.
"I want to watch it with you." His request came in a syrupy, sad voice, like a hungry puppy in the rain, making the green one narrow his eyes in disgust at the vague attempt at emotional blackmail.
He had better plans, like convincing his sweetheart of the benefits of being the passive one for once. He was going to be firm about it, clicking his tongue when Pierrot's eyes grew even more pleading, impossible as that seemed.
He gave in, knowing that bastard wouldn't budge.
Once they lay down to (suffer through) the misunderstood masterpiece, with the older's head resting on his victim's shoulder, they endured the two most torturous hours Harlequin had ever faced.
Just from the title, he knew the result would be like what you'd find in a communal dumpster, so he wasn't surprised to discover the plot was as bland as tasteless. It was about a pair of tragic humans going through absurd "difficulties" to be together. The ridiculousness of the story, if there even was one, was enough to help him take several intermittent naps, interrupted by pinches from the cause of his misery to make him pay attention.
Why was he so insistent that he watch those idiots cry? They were a heterosexual couple, same social class, similar ages. If they weren't together it was because of their own lack of neurons.
He snorted, aware they themselves had faced more obstacles to pair up (mainly because of Harlequin, though he refused to admit it), making him doubt why that absurd romance captivated the long‑haired one.
Pierrot even gave a little jump of excitement at the end, pointing at the screen like a scientist eager to show something to a monkey.
Was he trying to say something?
The pair of fools were getting married in a pretentious ceremony, and Pierrot kept looking at him with an indescribable expression. Somewhere between demanding and judgmental. Apparently, he got tired of his indirect being ignored by the reptile's sleepy neurons, sighing and pausing the movie as he sat up on the mattress and turned to his partner.
The younger kept his mouth shut, afraid his lover would stop making him spicy meals if he dared say something out of place.
"What do you think about...?" The long‑haired one stopped mid‑question, scratching his neck and averting his gaze. For some reason his cheeks had turned red. "Marriage." He whispered, licking his lips as if they were dry.
The snake assumed he was saying something between the lines, pondering the mysterious meaning of his words before deciding he wasn't in the mood for guessing games. If he wanted something, he should ask directly.
"I'd love to sabotage a wedding."
Pierrot's eyes widened, breaking the shyness he'd shown seconds before. "What?" He blinked a few times, clearly trying to find logic in his colleague's answer.
"Now that I think about it, can't we forge a marriage certificate?"
Throwing his head back, visibly shocked at where his question had gone, the silver‑haired one wore a face of forced resignation, sighing wearily. "What for?"
"So Jester and Ticket Taker can get married."
"Uh?" He didn't even know how to react anymore.
"I mean, they're like our parents, right? And they're not married. That's wrong." The green one shook his head, apparently disappointed.
"I don't think you're understanding me..."
"Don't worry. I'll make sure they realize their mistake myself." He placed a hand on his chest, pride radiating from every pore of his face.
"You're saying that because you want to ruin their moment?"
"I'd never do such a thing." He spoke like a do‑gooder, slowly fluttering his lashes.
Pierrot rolled his eyes, lying back down next to his partner. "You would. And worse."
The next day, with renewed energy and a clear idea of what he intended to do, Harlequin calmly walked to his little boss's caravan, surprised to find the door closed. That meant he was out, or simply didn't want to be disturbed. Strange. He usually left it open in either case...
Not wanting to stay with doubts, he decided to use one of his tentacles to unlock it, silently complaining about the cold, narrow metal.
It wasn't the most pleasant process, but he felt useful when he discovered Jester on the other side, startled by the younger's intrusion. The snake ignored the flushed color in his cheeks or the guilty way he leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table, approaching until the purple one grew threatening, almost territorial.
Accepting the boundaries for the sake of his Machiavellian plan, the venomous one raised his hands in surrender and smiled innocently, thinking he heard a slight cough, though his superior hadn't moved.
Harlequin cleared his throat, assuming the noise came from outside. Without wasting time softening the matter, he pointed at the long‑haired one with his index finger, demanding he marry Ticket Taker.
Jester was perplexed for a few seconds, snorting with clear amusement at his proposal. He leaned back in his seat, stroking something in his lap while giving him a satisfied glance, smiling sideways.
Don't think badly. Don't think badly. Don't think badly.
"Not a bad idea." His voice was hoarse, and the green one wanted to think it was an allergy from the animal hidden under his desk, laughing like a movie villain at seeing the first stage of his mission completed. The tyrant gave him a severe look of disgust, not so affectionately asking him to get out already.
Harlequin didn't complain about the hostility, knowing it was time to set the next objective in motion: spoil the surprise.
Based on Jester's willingness to fulfill his request, he was sure he'd ask TT himself, and he knew it wouldn't be as exciting if he found out beforehand.
He searched for the second‑in‑command under every rock, choking on his words when he found him leaving his little boss's tent.
He looked like a hurricane had run him over. A purple, eccentric one. Disheveled hair, lost gaze with dilated pupils, flushed cheeks, wrinkled and messy clothes, a fresh bite on his neck, that bastard's scent covering him like a second skin.
The snake didn't need to be a genius to know the ruler had beaten him to it. And judging by the two‑tone man's state, he'd said yes.
Neither commented on anything, surely because the older one was lost in his own thoughts, and the discomfort thickened in the air. The reptile withdrew before he started imagining what those two had been doing. Maybe even while he was there...
Aside from being traumatized by what he'd witnessed earlier, Harlequin discovered the circus bosses were in a huge rush to unite in holy matrimony, considering how quickly they began preparing for the celebration. TT could barely hide the tremor in his legs (only the green one noticed, since he couldn't take his eyes off him after realizing) while they informed them what would happen in the next two days, acting as if it were just another workday by clarifying it would be by roles.
It was clear who the grooms would be, so they only mentioned that Doctor would act as the priest, meaning Pierrot and the snake could choose whether to be godfathers, ring bearers, casual guests, or even the flower girl if that's what they wanted. The venomous one instantly knew what he wanted to do, grumbling when they put him to work on the wedding arch before he could ask for a role in the play.
At least they weren't tasked with it alone, since thanks to those bastards the arch had to be enormous, so everyone worked together with the fools. Harlequin gathered some sticks and handed them to the silver‑haired one, sitting on the ground beside him. He tried to distract himself by watching him tie the wood with vines and wildflowers, bored practically instantly.
Carefree, he searched for his superiors with his eyes, catching them several meters away. They were laughing about something, brushing arms with scandalous confidence. They looked extremely happy, more than he'd ever seen them, similar to the state he himself was in after his secret pairing with the golden‑eyed one.
He remembered getting sick in the snow (from recklessness), plus three days in bed (the best, if you asked him), and when he recovered, those two had giant signs over their heads pointing to their incongruent behavior.
They spent a lot of time together, had inside jokes, seemed accomplices in something.
At first he feared they'd discovered his romance with Pierrot, so he started watching them in case they dared reveal what they knew. Harassing them made him realize it was something else, discovering the reason for their many private meetings when he caught them holding hands, so immersed in each other's overwhelming, possessive tenderness they didn't even suspect his presence. Honestly, Harlequin felt genuine joy for them.
They deserved a little calm after so many storms... and he was about to sabotage it.
The snake felt guilty when he realized how much this must mean to them, to the point of accepting the idea the instant it came to light.
Was it worth ruining such a special day just for a few laughs?
His reflection was interrupted by a light touch in his hair, making him jump in surprise before remembering who was beside him. Once his companion seemed to finish what he was doing, the dark‑haired one raised a hand and softly touched what had been left there, realizing it was a flower. What a cheesy gift. Typical Pierrot.
Looking at his partner with a raised brow, jovial, he switched his expression to a flirtatious one, accompanying it with an exaggerated pose as he lay back on the grass. All he was missing was biting a rose to complete the image.
"How do I look?" He moved like a runway model without getting up from the ground, stopping his show when he noticed the long‑haired one's face didn't waver. He kept admiring him with that dazed grin that made Harlequin's hair stand on end.
"You look charming." His smile was so radiant it could dissolve an iceberg, almost making Harlequin cover his eyes to avoid being blinded by his beauty.
Besides being mistreated by his partner's fanaticism, the snake was overwhelmed by a shuddering heartbeat inside his chest, wondering why he still reacted like a madman in love when it had practically become routine to receive compliments here and there from the older one.
Instead of thanking him like a normal person, he took the flowers Pierrot had set aside and began braiding them into his hair, appreciating how much it had grown since they started this strange relationship. He didn't want to see it as a metaphor for the passage of time, so he waited for the red one to pay him a little attention before pretending to pick something up from the ground and put it in his hairstyle.
The victim of his antics turned fully toward Harlequin, snatching the hair still in his hands and shaking it gently with his fingers, trying to rid himself of the threat without undoing the braid. He didn't seem unhappy with the result, but he certainly acted cautious.
"Did you put ants in my hair?" His sharp gaze scanned his boyfriend for any sign of remorse.
"Obviously." He said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
"Bastard!" He shook himself as if he could feel an entire anthill crawling over him, throwing the remaining flowers at the prankster's face. Harlequin kept laughing even when some got into his mouth, stopping only to spit them out. Huffing, Pierrot sat back down, ignoring that he looked like a swamp beast with his hair a mess. "You won't laugh so much when I throw a beehive on your head." He muttered his threat with a frown.
"They'll attack you, looking like the princess of the forest."
He was ignored by the golden‑eyed one, who kept tying the sticks of the wedding arch.
The green one stroked his partner's hair, untangling the mess with his claws. He didn't dare repeat the joke, since the older one's threatening glare burned him every time he made suspicious moves. He ended up leaving him with loose, flexible hair, dragging his fingers along the base before grabbing and pulling back, taking advantage of the closeness to whisper in his ear.
"Long hair is easy to hold, remember?" He hoped this wouldn't bring bad memories to his partner, letting go when he received a light smack.
Instead of the expected annoyance, he shivered at noticing a pair of dilated pupils and a sly smile on the older one's face, realizing this would turn against him.
"We can test that later..." He offered, tilting his head slightly, giving Harlequin a mini heart attack at how easily he'd gone from pure soul to insatiable incubus.
Not that he was going to complain.
Playing secret agent, Harlequin snuck into the kitchen through an open window, rolling on the floor simply because he didn't feel like crouching. His illegal incursion was intercepted when he ended up at the chef's feet, who, with an unfriendly smile, threatened him with a ladle until he left.
Waiting a few seconds not to be predictable, he entered the enemy base again, grabbing a couple of sweets fresh from the oven to replenish energy. He kept them in his mouth with groans until they were cool enough to eat, receiving a soft smack on the head that told him he'd be expelled again.
But he wouldn't allow it.
Fed up with failures, the green one confronted Pierrot, who looked at him with boredom while stirring something in a bowl.
Playing the saint, he hugged him and acted compliant, pretending he only wanted his company. The older one didn't lower his guard, letting him stay.
"Are you excited to be the maid of honor?" He joked, making sure his boyfriend's eyes were on him so he wouldn't notice what he was doing with one of his tentacles.
Pierrot rolled his eyes, grabbing some chocolate chips to add to the mix.
"Actually, I'm sure someone will force me to act as babysitter."
The snake pulled away, opening his mouth and clutching his chest as if offended. "I'm going to behave." He affirmed, apparently indignant, proceeding to hide something under his cape.
He almost pouted at hearing his boyfriend's incredulous snort.
"You never behave." He reproached with plenty of evidence to argue, moving the dough away from the brat, possibly sensing his intentions.
Harlequin stayed silent, bothered by the slight ache sweeping through his chest.
Did he see him as immature? A project he had to fix?
He swore he'd changed a lot since their bond was formalized. That is, lately he'd made sure his jokes didn't hurt Pierrot.
Wasn't consideration enough?
"Haven't I behaved with you?" Against his will, that thought slipped out as a murmur, showing humiliating sadness.
His shame didn't lessen when his partner's expression softened, though he did feel somewhat relieved.
The cook set down what he held on a counter, hugging the snake before letting out a chuckle. "Well... you could be worse." He conceded, stroking the curly hair like a wounded cat. The snake didn't bother confirming his comment. "I love spending time with you."
Assuming he'd done it on purpose, the reptile growled at the maddening affection, annoyed to realize his cheeks were heating against the other's shoulder. He felt the need to press closer. Hug him with body and soul. Squeeze until it was impossible to separate them.
A blend born of his disturbing need for love...
Did Pierrot share his macabre desires?
Preferring to fill his mind with healthy thoughts (Pierrot. His name on loop), he put the spice back in place, discarding the idea. His boyfriend was happy, and tormenting him wasn't the goal of his visit, after all.
He contented himself with staying glued to him like a possum, hoping he wasn't the only one enjoying the closeness.
The event was about to begin.
Harlequin hummed a Christmas song, slicking back his hair and posing in front of the mirror. He smiled pleased at finding an angle that made him look spectacular, nearly wearing out the glass from staring so much, throwing compliments at himself as if his ego weren't inflated enough. He was close to declaring himself to his reflection, preferring to finish his grooming once and for all. Carefully, he buttoned the glittery green suit he'd found in a thrift shop, feeling like a true gentleman despite blinding himself with his clothes. Not to mention the sparkles that came off when he touched the fabric...
Accepting he'd be the life of the party, he gave himself a final couple of touch‑ups before leaving his caravan, greeted by Pierrot's confused, judgmental gaze, who even hissed in annoyance at the sight.
How could he not? He looked like a disco ball under direct sunlight.
Unfazed, the dark‑haired one basked in the reaction, flaunting a smug smile on his face. "I know, I'm dazzling." He boasted, striking a pose that made him resemble a crystal statue. One with a giant spotlight above.
Suspiciously cautious, the lanky one put on dark sunglasses and returned the pout, tugging him toward the celebration site without giving him the chance to protest.
The younger complained because another part of his clothing had stuck to his partner's hands, growing even more irritated when Pierrot patted the hair he had so carefully styled. Surely it hadn't been intentional, but they would have ended in a biting fight if the doctor hadn't stepped between them.
Trying to calm himself, he diverted his attention to his surroundings, whistling in amazement at how well things had turned out. The decorations were in place, the desserts didn't look like mere ornaments, Doctor had managed to find elegant clothes in his size (a miracle), the fools occupied several seats as eerily silent guests...
A dream wedding, if you asked him.
"Jester asked me to look for them in thirty minutes." The red one didn't even bother to look at him as he said it, frowning each time the snake tried to stand in front of him. Apparently, his sunglasses weren't enough to counter his magnificence, which only increased Harlequin's gloating.
Sadly, Pierrot opposed his purpose of outshining the rest of the guests, managing to strip him of his jacket and tear off all the glitter. Instead of getting angry, the reptile burst into laughter at the result, since the poor lanky one ended up covered in sparkles in the process. His dull suit, comparable to a bodyguard's, now looked like something a fairy addicted to flying dust would wear, persisting no matter how much he shook himself.
Recovering from what had been one of the best laughs of his life, the cobra took a handkerchief and put minimal effort into cleaning the mess, stopping when he grew suspicious of a hypothesis.
Had he brought him there just to make sure he wouldn't play any pranks on the grooms...?
He barely disguised his victorious smile upon realizing his plans would continue as originally intended.
He had already taken care of the main issue.
He raised his gaze after "forgetting" (on purpose) a couple of sequins, finding the opposite of the uncertainty he expected. The silver‑haired one acted restless, fidgeting with his fingers, clearing his throat as if trying to regurgitate his organs.
Harlequin raised a brow, impatient, wondering what had him so unsettled. That he also looked embarrassed only added to his confusion.
"What's wrong?" He asked, frustrated by the back‑and‑forth of the other's indecision.
Socially pressured, Pierrot scratched his neck, averting his gaze. After several eternal seconds and a deep breath, he apparently managed to muster courage, taking his partner's hands and looking him straight in the eyes.
What madness. He even looked like he was about to propose right there...
And he knelt on the ground, making the snake's neurons disconnect completely.
"Harlequin." He began, his voice trembling and insecure. The mentioned one barely managed to part his lips, silenced by uncertainty. "I love you." He ignored Doctor covering his cheeks with both hands, stunned by the revelation. "I know we didn't start off on the right foot, and that we've both done horrible things to each other, but my life would feel empty without you." He licked his lips, smiling like an irreparable fool. "I love you so much..." The words poured from his mouth with dedication, devotion, so honest that the green one could feel his body burning as Pierrot continued his speech, sweet and thick as honey. That he was so enthusiastic made him want to run and scream until the shame stopped tangling his insides, leaving him paralyzed in place, thinking a thousand things while his mind was blank.
His dearest one kept saying "I love you." I love you, I love you, I love you. Again and again, each more cloying than the last, making the snake lose count as he remained in that limbo that kept him from fleeing or responding.
After what felt like hours of passionate confessions, the long‑haired one closed the dark‑haired one's mouth (in case a fly got in) and gathered the courage to say the last thing he'd kept in his chest, looking embarrassed. "I don't have a ring to give you, but hints don't work with you, and I want-need to know the answer before I get my hopes up..." It was obvious he already had. "Would you marry me?"
Harlequin short‑circuited, too shocked to hear those words coming directly from his partner's mouth, becoming something worse than a brainless fool: a stone. He didn't know whether to cry, jump into his arms shouting "YES," or feign dementia and excuse himself to go buy cigarettes, saved from responsibility when Pierrot's phone chimed with a notification.
Jester and Ticket Taker were ready.
Determined to escape, the reptile hurried to fetch his little boss, leaving the poor puppy with the words stuck in his throat.
How dare he ambush him like that?! He'd never imagined the three‑legged fool intended to spend the rest of his life with him! This came out of nowhere! Liar! He hadn't even given him a hint so he wouldn't be left with a frozen‑fish face!
Fuming, he hoped his superior wouldn't notice his unstable emotions while blindfolded, following instructions to uphold the tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony. Neither wanted to be the bride, and both wanted to experience the anticipation, reaching a middle ground: they'd only see each other during their vows.
He considered it cheap cheesiness, but whatever.
He also didn't want to be a bastard who took advantage of his temporary disadvantage to drag him through the mud, much less soil his white, pristine suit, fulfilling his responsibility by leading him to the specific place without incident. Jester gave him a firm squeeze on the arm, asking what he was up to, to which Harle feigned ignorance, smiling slyly knowing his boss couldn't see him. His fun vanished as soon as Pierrot and Ticket Taker arrived, forcing him to pretend amnesia, since not even he would go so far as to overshadow this event with a marriage proposal.
The red one was a criminal mastermind. He had no proof, but no doubts either.
Fortunately, he refrained from demanding an answer to his proposal, limiting himself to a countdown to simultaneously reveal the grooms.
With the blindfolds removed, something changed in the atmosphere, turning pink and springlike. A breeze even blew flowers around, amplifying the novel effect of the couple's glowing gazes, making the snake gag. As if seeing each other in elegant suits and different hairstyles was the most amazing thing in the world...
The incredible part was that they hadn't jumped on each other and started reproducing right there. Gross.
He pulled away before nausea got the better of him, sitting next to his boyfriend, expecting some reproach for earlier. The lanky one kept his eyes fixed on those joining in marriage, possibly ignoring him.
Doctor began the pre‑vow chatter, with their leaders visibly impatient to express their feelings at last.
If Pierrot and he were in that situation, he knew they'd have to tie him to a post to keep him from escaping, smiling despite himself at remembering the older one's expression while giving his love speech. Considering it had been that long just for a mere request, he didn't want to count how many hours he'd have to wait to say "I do" and have him exclusively for himself.
He didn't think it was right to interrupt the couple just to shout to the world that he was going to marry a catch, preferring to sour himself with the theory that his boyfriend was acting indifferent.
That he was simply being polite and paying attention to the event before them? Nah. He was definitely ignoring him.
Trying to break the ice, he took the golden‑eyed one's hand to check his stress level, pleased when he didn't pull away. In fact, Pierrot gave the cobra a brief glance before intertwining their fingers, allowing the corners of his lips to curve upward. Taking advantage of his candied apple's apparent good mood, Harlequin leaned a little over the armrest of his seat, ignoring that they were in the front row and anyone could see what he did.
"Don't you think we should shout 'I object' and smooch with the grooms?" He whispered, half joking and half serious, retreating when struck by the older one's glare.
The latter muttered a dry "don't even think about it," which the green one didn't hesitate to disrespect, taking a breath to make his interpretation more believable, choking on a pastry that served as a gag. The long‑haired one forced him to eat it, silencing him with food every time he tried to explain he'd already discarded the idea.
Did he want to give him diabetes or what?!
He barely managed to mumble that he surrendered just before a cake was smashed into his face, assuming this was the resentful one's payback for not yielding to his whims, and that he was only protecting the couple's love as an excuse to cover his face in frosting.
He proved he wasn't the only vengeful one in the relationship by grabbing the lanky one's tie and using it to wipe himself, ignoring his protests.
Why stress? He only had to wait until... exactly that moment.
Since they hadn't trusted him to be the ring bearer, he made sure to find out where they were kept to move them. That way they'd understand how much he suffered for not being allowed to hide them properly.
He feigned surprise when Doctor informed them the rings weren't there, wondering if he'd missed something when he noticed Jester's expression didn't waver, narrowing his eyes incredulously as he pulled an extra ring from his pocket. It was different from the other two; instead of a simple gold band, this one seemed to be silver, with a decently sized polished blue gem. Something any respectable Victorian bride would wear.
Ignoring the younger's telltale expression, the purple one took his beloved's hand and slid the jewel onto his ring finger, keeping that goofy face that apparently only repulsed Harlequin.
"I thought it would be overshadowed if it were just a simple ring." He confessed, making the raven‑like one wipe a couple of tears with a handkerchief. His sentimentality ended almost instantly, noticing the snake signaling toward his pocket, handing over the stolen relics without credit.
He seemed in a hurry, not even allowing the lovebirds to finish exchanging the gold circles before taking a few steps away from the altar. "I declare you... a couple of higher status." Concluded the "priest," closing his herb book and retreating to his lab.
Unlike the rest of the guests, Pierrot and Harlequin celebrated as if they'd just won the lottery, whistling at full lung and throwing rice at the couple like pigeons in the park.
They stopped their ovations when observed with aversion by their superiors, especially the reptile, who bit the inside of his cheek at being fervently accused by the purple one's gaze.
He supposed he'd get the beating of his life when they approached, intrigued when he received the bouquet. He took it without thinking much, remembering the superstition after noticing the boss wink at him.
"Remember to use protection." He advised, leaving them both speechless as he ran hand‑in‑hand with TT, hurrying to the car they'd rented (without the owner's knowledge) to head to a motel.
He hadn't thought they'd be in such a rush to live their honeymoon...
Returning to his own feelings, Harlequin couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the heat in his cheeks upon realizing the obvious: Jester knew...
Well, it wasn't like they'd hide it forever anyway, so he simply passed the bouquet to Pierrot, noticing he too had a flushed face.
He wouldn't be able to dodge the subject anymore...
It wasn't cold, but the snake longed for his beloved's warmth, rolling on the bed not wanting to open his eyes to find him. His laziness gave him a mini heart attack by nearly falling to the floor.
A little more awake from the scare, though still sluggish, he patted the surface with all his limbs to make sure he'd been abandoned, wondering if he should keep resting or chase him.
As if he were a child without his stuffed toy...
Trying to conserve energy, he hugged a pillow with his whole body, imagining it was the idiot who'd fled in the middle of the night.
Was it really that necessary to tangle their legs and cling as if personal space didn't exist?
He'd slept most of his life without him. He didn't need him.
Irritated, he covered himself with a blanket and left Pierrot's caravan, keeping the embarrassing memories of the last time he'd done something like that. This time he didn't rush to run in search of him, scanning the surroundings with his eyes.
He managed to spot him further ahead, betrayed by the moonlight shining on his loose hair. It looked like spider silk threads moving with the wind, giving him the aspect of a deity. Or a ghost. The snake wouldn't mind if he tried to scare him.
He walked calmly to him, sitting at his side and draping the sheet over his shoulders, expecting at least a little gratitude for sharing. The older one said nothing, keeping his head down. Harlequin didn't ask what had him in that state, shivering as he joined their arms from the coldness of the taller one's skin, possibly from the night dew or because he'd been there a long time. The venomous one accepted the torment just to be by his side, taking the trouble to analyze his companion more closely.
For some reason, Pierrot had the bouquet from earlier in his hands, staring at it so intently it almost seemed he hadn't noticed the cobra's presence.
"So?" He asked after several seconds of silence, and the dark‑haired one didn't know if he was speaking to nature or to him. His doubts vanished when the long‑haired one tilted his head toward him, visibly discouraged. "Did you think about my proposal?"
Harlequin pursed his lips, undecided.
Obviously he wanted to accept. He knew his boyfriend would make him the happiest man in the world, that he definitely wouldn't regret it, and yet there was a persistent "but." A part of him, the one that held a little grudge against Pierrot for making him wait so long, wanted to return the favor.
It seemed selfish, yes, but he was willing to pressure him a little.
"Love isn't eternal." He excused himself, feeling guilty at the shadowing of the long‑haired one's face. Damn, he didn't want to make him cry either...
Luckily, instead of collapsing, the red one shook his head, looking him in the eyes with flushed cheeks. "I know." He affirmed, raising his brows with an immorally pleading face. "But I still want us to be together..."
The reptile let out a chuckle, softened by the cheesiness he'd just heard.
"You're stingy." He accused, giving him a playful knee bump. He was comfortable with the way they slowly leaned together. Thigh to thigh.
Pierrot sighed, curling a lock of hair around his finger. "So what?" He seemed to be daring him to give reasons why he shouldn't be, scoffing when none came. "You're my everything..." He conceded, softening his expression. "And I also want to be yours." His voice dropped, growing sad again. All he was missing were puppy‑dog ears drooping down.
Should he just say yes already or keep playing hard to get?
Oh well. He could probably hold out a little longer.
Harlequin recoiled at how quickly the knife‑thrower turned toward him, taking his hands and staring into his eyes as if searching the depths of his mind. Too intense and possessive, surpassing his record of derangement. The younger swallowed hard, hoping his dominant outburst stayed at that.
"I don't want anyone else."
With the air stuck in his lungs, the snake dismissed the instinct warning him of danger, seeing Pierrot's territorial expression as such a romantic gesture he simply couldn't ignore it. That guy was serious, and the green one barely fought against the intrusive thought of kissing him until their lips went numb.
He was tired of putting stones in the way.
He longed for this as much as his beloved, though he didn't dare express it as openly as him. It wasn't his style.
"At least let me save up to buy a ring..." Maybe he'd have to steal a few wallets not to take a century, adding his salary, but he was determined to give it to him. Seeing the older one's expression upon receiving it would be the best part.
Either way, he felt satisfied with the glow in Pierrot's eyes, who hurried to hug him, shaking his head frantically while rubbing his cheek against his.
"I don't need any ring as long as you're by my side."
Harlequin wanted to push him off before he drowned him in sweetness, holding back and snorting while thinking up an excuse that wouldn't make him look soft.
"It's for precaution." He felt the need to argue his response upon hearing a playful hum. "I have to make sure no one flirts with you while I'm not looking."
The silver‑haired one let out a long "pff," not believing it, accepting the cheap excuse without protest.
"You still think that little bird was hitting on me?" He mocked, raising a brow.
At first, the snake doubted his beloved's sanity, straining his neurons to remember when he'd expressed jealousy toward a bird.
His expression turned indifferent as he had a vague idea of what he might mean.
Was he referring to that time a sparrow decided to make a nest on Pierrot's head? Ungrateful bastard. If he wanted to force him into being a stepdad, he should've said so. That way he'd have saved the time of scaring it off before it dropped the twig in its beak.
Either way, he decided to play along, crossing his arms over his chest and showing disappointment. "Its eyes were shining too much while chirping in your ear."
The long‑haired one rolled his eyes and placed a hand on the reptile's waist, caressing him without ulterior motives.
"Then I should buy one too, in that case."
His rival gave him a defiant look, raising his chin, smug. "I'm sure I can get it before you."
Pierrot didn't back down, so convinced anyone would think it had all been an elaborate plan.
"I don't know... maybe I've been saving for this." He hinted.
Indignation took over Harlequin's face, already imagining his partner with a million dollars hidden inside his mattress. "Cheater!" He accused, avenging himself with a malicious tickle attack.
The older one succumbed to the assault, barely defending himself against the green one's persistent fingers. His torture ended before he was completely out of breath, exhaling with a confident smile that made the criminal want to torment him again.
"Weren't they nonsense?" He teased, annoying the snake with his stupid smug face.
He didn't let himself be provoked, shrugging at the challenge. "This is a competition. We have to make sure we're the second ones to get married, since those two beat us to it."
Pierrot was about to roll his eyes. "Why would they have beaten us to it?" The sarcasm didn't go unnoticed by the dark‑haired one, who pretended to be a good person, nearly placing a halo over his head.
"It wasn't right for our parents to do those things without being married."
His partner frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Gloating over his curiosity, Harlequin looked around, suddenly cautious, signaling him to come closer after confirming there was no danger. "I saw bites on Bil's neck, and they were definitely from the boss. He was probably fighting for a raise." He joked with the last part, earning a light elbow.
"You pervert! Stop looking at him weird!" He was pouting, cheeks puffed and brows knitted.
The snake let out an offended "hm," snatching the flowers from his colleague. "I only noticed because it was so obvious. You're the blind one for not seeing it." Peeved, he began plucking petals from one of the roses, noticing the older one's lack of response. Intrigued, he tilted his head toward him, noting his focused expression.
"You're right." He confirmed, but his expression didn't match his tone. "I took too long to give a name to what I feel for you."
The reptile nearly recoiled, shocked at how bold he'd been to change the subject. Refusing to be impressed, he showed a sly smile, brushing the other's thigh with his fingertips.
"No." The abrupt answer left him speechless. "I love you, Harlequin. How many times do I have to repeat it for you to believe me?" His certainty was replaced by doubts, causing discomfort in the younger's chest.
"I'm just being honest." And he hid his face in his counterpart's shoulder, clinging to him as if he were his only salvation. His anchor. The most important thing to him.
The snake felt the need to reciprocate, patting his head. "Ugh. Yeah, whatever. I love you." The words came out with more difficulty than he expected, tangling his guts. "Happy?"
Pierrot chuckled a little, giving him a kiss on the shoulder. "If you didn't love me, you would've left me months ago."
Knowing him, Harlequin knew perfectly well his partner wouldn't have let him abandon him, but he let him believe his own lie, downplaying the matter.
"It was only pity." He excused himself, hurried.
It was clear the big guy was affected by his words, breathing a little slower, controlling any reaction that might expose him as the obsessive he was.
"Then don't stop pitying me..." He almost begged, whispering, pressing himself against the dark‑haired one as if the closeness weren't enough. The snake understood perfectly, since he felt exactly the same.
"You're so pathetic I can't leave you alone." He hoped he'd understand what he meant, resting his head on his boyfriend's.
Even as the minutes passed, neither tried to break the silence or return to the room, staying in the same position so long they looked as if they'd fallen asleep.
Harlequin hadn't, unfortunately, since he couldn't rid himself of the idea looping in his head. Had Pierrot been holding back from buying things for himself just to get a ridiculous ring? He didn't know if it was a side effect of being with the pinkest romantic alive, but he'd be more than happy if they simply professed eternal love and kept that promise for the rest of their lives...
Yep, he'd let himself be influenced by that fool. He'd never say something like that.
Uneasy with the shame, he began wrapping one of the smooth stems around his ring finger, using it to imagine what it would be like to have the coveted ring there.
Happy wife, happy life, right? Better to accept he was a domesticated wolf before any planning.
After wrapping it three times (in case it was one of those jewels that covered half the finger), he noticed a small detail of their bet (in which only he was participating): they'd said "ring," but never specified what kind.
Trying not to move too much or bother Pierrot, he began shaping his new plan, knowing by heart the width of the older one's fingers. Obviously because they held hands so often.
Once it was finished, he offered it to the drowsy long‑haired one, hoping his nerves wouldn't show from not knowing how he'd react.
"I won." He said with as much confidence as he could invent, swallowing hard when his partner took it and looked at it closely.
He thought he heard an excited sigh, assuming he hadn't expected the humiliation.
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