#projectdarkstache2021

[erexart]

happy late sppoky day! i know im late, this comic took quite a while to finish hsjshsjh, i know when i draw these two in comics they always end up with a sad ending so now i just want some fluff instead :3 hope you liked it! 

@projectdarkstache​ 

oh, some bonus panels below 

[projectdarkstache]

DARKSTACHE WEEK 2021

Within this post we will once again cover: rules, general reminders, prompts as well as link the invite to the discord server.

While we're fully aware that October is the month of prompts, with Inktober and such, we wanted to host Darkstache week in the last week of October so that we can have some spooky prompts for Halloween!

Rules

No NSFW content.

Tag triggers as you see necessary.

Be kind and supportive to each other throughout the week (and in general). Please boost others work and leave nice comments!

General reminders

This event is not just for fanartists and fanfic authors! You are allowed to participate in any shape or form you enjoy, be it photo edits, cosplay, crafts or other!

Each day has two prompts, they can be combined if you wish but the intention was for you to choose the one of your liking and use that one. However, feel free to use both!

Prompts

Official Darkstache Week discord server invite:

Join the Darkstache Week Discord Server!

Check out the Darkstache Week community on Discord - hang out with 3 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

Remember to tag us @projectdarkstache or tag it with “#ProjectDarkstache2021” or “#DarkstacheWeek2021” so we can find it and reblog it with comments!

[iamvegorott]

Darkstache Week 2021!

Day 1: Decorating/Carving Pumpkins

“Twist the streamers together so we can see both colors at the same time,” Wilford instructed, showing what he was saying to CJ and RJ, the twins both watching his hard, focused eyes. 

“Got it!” RJ took the streamers and ran off with CJ at his heels. “Bim, pumpkins don’t fly.” 

“I know that.” Bim scoffed from the step-ladder he stood on, Yandere standing at the bottom and using her foot to keep the ladder steady.

“Then why do you have the pumpkins in the sky with the bats?” Wilford pointed up at the paper cut-outs.

“You said to put the pumpkins and bats on the wall, that’s what I’m doing.” 

“I meant for the pumpkins to be alone the bottom and the bats up in the air, that’s why Yan is with you.” 

“You didn’t say that.” Yandere tilted her head. 

“You should have known,” Wilford said with a shrug. 

“Not everyone can read minds, Wilford.” Bim stuck his tongue out. 

Dark sat at the table filled with pumpkins, elbow resting on the table as well and he held his face with a palm. His other hand wielded a sharp knife and the pumpkin in front of him had one and a half eyes carved out. Eyes focused on Wilford with a hint of a smile on his lips. 

“Host doesn’t even need to see to know what Dark is staring at.” Host teased, pouring black paint on top of one of the smaller pumpkins. 

“I’m just observing.” Dark went back to working on the pumpkin’s eye. 

“Host is sure that Wilford’s rear-end isn’t the main focus of the current priorities.” Host had a grin and Dark’s own breath got caught in his throat and he coughed a few times. 

“Host.” Dark hissed so that the nearby carving group of Illinois, Yancy, Google, and Bing couldn’t hear him. “I was not looking at...that.” 

“Dark’s blush tells Host otherwise.” 

“I am not-” Dark stopped himself and took a breath. “I am just making a jack-o-lantern.” 

“While thinking of how perky-”

“I will dump that paint on your head.” 

“Darkling!” Wilford happily cheered as he joined the table. “How’s the carving going?” 

“It’s going well.” Dark’s tone softened at Wilford’s presence. 

“Amazing! Thank you so much for helping.” Wilford gave Dark the biggest smile. 

“Of course.” Dark smiled back. 

“Yanc! My boy! It’s a jack-o-lantern, not a pile of mush!” Wilford called out and went over to the group on the floor, leaving Dark to just watch him go with a comforting warmth in his chest. 

“Host forgot to add that Dark is also weak for Wilford’s smile.”

“Host, I swear to God.”  _____

@projectdarkstache​

[frozenrose105]

Whumptober Day 27/Darkstache Week Day 3

Prompts: I’m Fine. I Prom... /// Autumn

Characters: Darkiplier, Wilford Warfstache

Tagging: @projectdarkstache

==================================

Autumn was perhaps one of Dark’s favorite times of the year. It was cool, but not the kind of cold that made him want to recede back into his manor and stay there. Comfortable, and the perfect weather for his suits. He took pleasure in seeing his boyfriend happy as well, and lord knows Wilford got into the spirit of holidays such as Halloween. 

Thus, the demon found himself walking alongside Wilford one fall evening. His aura was moving slowly, idly in the same manner as a flame, indicative to his relaxed state. That didn’t mean he wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings, however. Dark held Wilford’s hand in his, and he was all too aware of the few people walking the same trails as them, and of exactly which directions to go to avoid any run-ins with those he didn’t care to meet.

His awareness also had Dark’s eyes flicking over to Wilford when his breathing became more labored. It wasn’t like Wilford to get tired so quickly, but Dark knew even he had his limits. 

“Are you alright, Wil?” Dark asked, falling to a stop in the middle of the leaf-covered path and forcing Wilford to do the same. 

“What do you mean?” The pink ego tilted his head. “Fit as a fiddle, why wouldn’t I be?” 

Dark didn’t bother to answer the question, his eyes boring into the other’s as he waited. Regardless of all that Wilford was, he was far from unintelligent. He knew exactly why Dark asked. He knew that Dark could feel his grip tightening on the demon’s hand and he knew that Dark detected his sudden exhaustion. He couldn’t play stupid with Dark and neither of them were ignorant to that.

“Just a little tired is all,” Wilford finally said, though his grin didn’t waver. “I’m fine, I prom…” ...But the rest of the word remained unsaid, dying in his throat as Wilford wobbled some on his feet and braced himself reflexively against Dark. His eyelids fluttered and Dark tensed some as he took hold of Wilford’s arm to steady him.

“Wil.” The worry in Dark’s voice was near undetectable to any who didn’t know him. Dark didn’t let it show beyond that however, instead guiding his boyfriend to a bench nearby,  directing him to sit. “Wilford. Look at me.”

Wilford obeyed easily, though there was some uncertainty in his eyes. Where had the sudden dizziness come from? Why was he struggling to stay awake, to stay upright. Sickness wasn’t something that came easily to either of them, not with their abilities which altered reality. “Dark…?” There was no smile on his face now as Wilford spoke the other’s name. He blinked in his attempts to stay awake, but ultimately he felt himself losing the fight.

And Dark saw the moment that Wilford slipped into unconsciousness and his body slumped against the bench. Dark was as unsure as Wilford, but he certainly had no intent to leave the other ego there. So he lifted him into his arms bridal style, his lips pressed into a thin line. Dr. Iplier would know what was wrong, surely. That was what he was banking on as he made to leave the park, as his own mind raced with possible explanations. 

But there would be a delay in his learning, it seemed. Before Dark could warp away or exit the park, he felt Wilford’s weight disappear from his arms. This had him stop where he stood, frozen in place as several thoughts ran through his head.

One- his mate was gone. There was no time to panic though; he needed to keep a level head. Two- his mate was sick, and he wasn’t the fool who would deem it coincidence. Someone had done this to Wilford. Three- He would not rest until he found him home safe. 

It was only a short pause before Dark was disappearing from the park entirely, the perfect autumn day forgotten, and red took over as burning aura flared around him.

[gottawriteanegoortwo]

Darkstache Week: Day One - Decorating & Pumpkin Carving

Other Days: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven Ao3 Link

It’s that time of year - Darkstache Week! The entire week is Hallowe’en themed, which is perfect for me. If you haven’t already, check out the prompt list here!

Not only is it Dark and Wilford's first big party that they've hosted together as a couple, it's Dark's first time actually celebrating Hallowe'en. Wilford has taken it upon himself to teach Dark as much as he can to make this the best Hallowe'en ever! 

First lesson: decorations, and how to carve a pumpkin!

This is also available to read on Ao3.

Word Count: 1,219

-

Six days until the party. 

There was a buzz of activity in Wilford and Dark's home. They had moved in together during the summer, and this would be their first big 'event' they hosted as a couple in their own home. A Hallowe'en party that would double as a belated housewarming party, what a strange combination!

Wilford had been nervous to suggest the idea to Dark. The entity was quite serious and didn't see the point of most holidays people celebrate together, even going as far as avoiding parties with the other egos; but this appeared to be an exception. The ego with the reputation for being the 'spooky' one agreed to the idea of a Hallowe'en party. However...

"I'm not really sure how much help I will be helping you prepare. I've only ever watched Hallowe'en roll by from a distance."

"Y've never celebrated Hallowe'en before?"

"I'm afraid not."

Wilford's eyes darted aside in thought. When he returned his focus to his boyfriend, inspiration had struck. "Then I gotta teach ya! We got plenty of time! Yer gonna be a great party host by th’ end of th’ week!"

-

Dark didn't want to know how long Wilford had been collecting decorations as the reporter dragged out a large box from a closet. Each item that was taken out was examined and put in one of two bundles: "Decorations", or "Back To Storage". It was a nice chance for Wilford to show Dark different decorations and what could be done with them. Dark had even started lifting ornaments that he thought should be put on display. Wilford never once objected, too excited to see his partner getting invested.

A small bundle protected by tissue paper and bubble wrap caught Dark's eye. Everything else had been carefully stored in the box, but none had been protected to the same extent. Whatever it was, it was important. The layers were undone to reveal a bright pink ceramic pumpkin that would normally take place on Wilford's desk. Wilford, who was partially tangled up in his orange and black bunting in his attempt to open it out, stretched out to snatch and scoop up the little figure.

"Patricia, my little darlin’! I was wonderin' where I'd putcha!" It was nuzzled against his chin in a loving, albeit dramatic, hug. Then, he paused as he looked at Dark with wide eyes. "Speakin' of pumpkins… have ya ever carved one? I can show ya!"

"No. But I thought you said when you brought them home that we were doing the official carving on Hallowe'en night."

"Oh yeah, I did. But! I said I'm gonna teach ya all 'bout Hallowe'en. And then we can start decorating the living room. ‘Bout time we took a break anyways." He reached out and gently pulled Dark onto his feet. The bunting adorned reporter eagerly led Dark into the kitchen and made him sit at the table. Patricia was left on the counter as Wilford retrieved two pumpkins a little larger than a grapefruit. Dark had quickly cleared the table and covered the surface with old newspaper and worn out tea towels. 

"Th' first step with pumpkin carvin' is ta cut a hole at th' top an' scoop out th' gooey bits, but I did that already." He tilted them both down to reveal the loose lids. Dark confirmed as much when he accepted the offered pumpkin and uncapped it to reveal the hollowness. "Which means it's onto th' fun part - carvin'! Here, take a marker." Two black Sharpies were plucked out of his shirt pocket, with one quickly passed to Dark. Interestingly, the second one was put down as Wilford instead gave his full attention to Dark. 

"What ya wanna do is draw a face. Y'know: two eyes, a nose, a big mouth? Stick with triangles an' big shapes. It's easier ta cut 'em out later." He used his index finger to trace a triangle on the newspaper in between them.

"Is there a certain face I'm to draw?"

"Nah. Whatever makes ya happy. If ya do slanty triangles ya can make th' pumpkin look angry. See?" This time, he remembered there was a spare marker and lightly drew on the newspaper. "Or ya can draw one of them equal sided triangles ta make it look happier. Oh! An' th' mouth is fun. Zig-zags can give it fangs, an' square-zags can give it a goofy smile." All the while, Dark nudged his chair closer to Wilford so he could rest his head on the other's shoulder. It was refreshing when Wilford was able to talk in length about interests that fascinated him.

"You know a lot about Hallowe'en," he casually commented. 

"I love Hallowe'en. All that candy lying around? An excuse to wear whatever I want? A chance ta prank without gettin' in trouble? Why would I not love it? An' I think yer gonna like it too."

"I'm sure I will, especially since you'll be teaching me everything I know." It was the right thing to say. The reporter's laughter was warm as he kissed the top of Dark's head.

-

The afternoon passed by peacefully. Wilford had decided to play some Hallowe'en music as they worked on their pumpkins while chatting. His pumpkin was untouched as he helped Dark carve. There were certain techniques that made cutting with the knife a lot easier, as well as tricks to help break larger shapes into smaller, easier to cut pieces. It was only once Dark was feeling more confident to work independently that Wilford finally started his.

"What do you think?" Dark put the steak knife down and spun the pumpkin around to show Wilford. The little pumpkin flashed a wonky, fanged grin with its mismatched triangular eyes. "It's not the neatest, I know, but -"

"What are ya talkin' 'bout? It's perfect! That's a fella who looks all cute an' innocent but'll bite year hand if ya get too close. He's gonna look great in th' living room -"

"Wait, what? You didn't say anything about this being on show. It's going to be rotting by then!" Dark's surprise was quickly shaken off as he remembered he was talking to Wilford. These pumpkins would likely never rot. But Wilford didn't react, whether he genuinely wasn't listening or opted to ignore the protestation. He had lifted Dark's pumpkin to examine it better, and placed a light kiss above the eyes.

"It's yer first pumpkin. Of course Percy’s gettin' pride of place!" 

“Percy?” Dark snorted.

“Th’ name of our son. Our little pride an’ joy. Our bouncing pumpkin boy!” Wilford hugged his 'child' close, relishing the hint of embarrassment on Dark's face.

"What about your pumpkin, then?"

"Oh yeah." Briefly forgetting his own pumpkin existed, Wilford put Percy down so he could lift his own and pass it to Dark. "It's a present - yer first decoration fer yer office!" The entity turned it around so he could see the carving for himself. Instead of a face, there were several hearts of varying sizes.

"Wilford, this is lovely but… it's not at all what you were teaching me."

"I know that," Wilford wrapped an arm around Dark's shoulder and tugged him close, "this is my way of showin' how ya light my heart on fire!"

The laugh from Dark was worth the corny joke.

[lostcybertronian]

Darkstache Week - Day 2

Prompts by @projectdarkstache

Day 2 - Scary stories

Thanks to the anon from this ask for ideas!

---

“I heard that he’s been to jail.”

“Have you seen them? They’ve both been to jail.”

Yan slammed one hand to the table. Her red hair shone almost too brightly under the blare of the one spotlight they had on. “I know they’ve been to jail,” she declared.

“How do you know?” Bing eyed her suspiciously over the rim of his glass. So did Silver Shepherd, though it was less obvious because of his mask.

“Wilford told me.” Yan said proudly. “Dark’s been arrested, and Wilford had to go break him out.”

Bim choked on his bottle of hard lemonade.“So Wilford hasn’t been to jail? That’s bullshit.”

Bing leaned back in his chair. “I believe it. I can’t find any records of him online.”

“But you’re using Bing,” Bim scoffed, and whipped out his phone. “Let me check Google.”

“Fuck you.”

“Nothing there, either.” Clack went the phone to the table. “He’s murdered like, a million people. How could he not have been caught even once?”

“It’s ‘cause of Dark, I bet,” Silver remarked. He held a Coors beer in one comically oversized glove. No one had yet to guess how he was able to do so. “They’re a thing, right? I bet Dark covers for him.”

“Are they a thing?” Bing, now.

Yan added, “I ship it.”

“Yeah,” Bim said. “They’re like, dating, right?”

“I think they’re married,” said Silver Shepherd, low, in a conspiratorial whisper. 

“Yes we are!” The voice came from the studio entrance. Wilford emerged from the dark like a specter, stepping into the halo of light. His gun gleamed in his hand. So did his eyes. “We’ve been married for fifty years,” he added, while the others only stared.

With one smooth movement he flicked the safety off and cocked the hammer. The click was deafening. “But it isn’t nice to talk about other people, you know.”

“Look, dude, we’re sorry-” Bing began to stammer, but he cut off with a yelp when Wilford leveled the weapon at the android’s head.

“Run.” He commanded.

Everyone at the table scattered.

[wispy-fox]

@projectdarkstache

Darkstache Week: Day One - Decorating/Pumpkin Carving

𝕻𝖆𝖗𝖙 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖊𝖈𝖔𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘

It was that time of year again where screams filled the air, creepy decorations were displayed, and children got hyper for the sweets that were to come. There were still a few days before that special day, but that only meant excitement for it could fester and grow. Especially for a certain candy-loving man who had a passion for holidays and going all out on them. In fact, his boyfriend had been decorating the mansion for a couple weeks now. Even his office has been transformed to match the theme of the month.

Bats and spiders hung from the ceiling with cobwebs in the corners. Lights in the shape of pumpkins were stringed along where the walls and ceiling met. Speaking of pumpkins, a tiny one- the one everyone seemed to adore- sat upon his desk. A "scary" face drawn on it by the one and only Warfstache. It was unprofessional, in his opinion, for an office to appear so… childish. But when it came to harmless activities such as these, the guy could hardly tell the man-child 'no'. Especially when the allowance of decorating earned him such a beautiful smile.

The other egos helped out when they could, but Wil didn't mind making the place "spook-tastic" by himself. Dark of course offered assistance as well when he had the time, but was usually told to return to work or relax. The latter was mostly encouraged, though, since the eccentric didn't want the entity to overwork himself. Though, someone had to take care of the business around here, and Google and the Host were busy with their own assignments. So that was what he was doing at the moment, looking over papers and signing them. It-

His head snapped up at an abrupt scream. Those were typical to hear during this month, for the egos took fun in scaring each other. However, this yell was all too familiar and was followed by a loud thud. It wasn't from inside the building, though. No, it was right outside of it, near his office. Without much hesitation, Dark abandoned the bills to investigate, heading for the balcony. 

As the male stood out on the ledge, searching for the source of the shout, he wondered what his lover did now. It could be absolutely anything, especially if it warranted a scream. Though, the real question was- where the hell was he? The guy couldn't find the lovable fool anywhere on the ground below. Perhaps he thought wrong about where the yell cam-

"Oh! Hi Darky!" A rather chipper voice suddenly came from above, cutting through his thoughts.

He blinked, shifting his attention upward. "Wil-" His brows shot up, registering the sight with wide eyes. The obsidian orbs darted around, assessing the situation before narrowing. "How the hell did you manage this?!" He gritted out through clenched teeth, trying to figure out how to undo this without any injuries. One mishap and Wilford could end up concussed or breaking something. After all, he was hanging upside down, a perfect position to break one's neck if they plummeted.

"There's no need to take that tone with me, mister." The colorful man huffed, as if he had any ground to stand on. "But if you must know, I was simply setting up the lights when my ankle got tangled up in them. I attempted to shake them off, but one second I was on the roof, and the next I'm suddenly hanging like a bat!" The mustached fella explained, smiling from coming up with that last bit. "Ooo! Mayhaps I should dress myself as one and hang here for Halloween! That would surely asto-"

"Absolutely not! Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?!" He snapped, and while he appeared quite exasperated, Dark was deeply worried. Any good partner wouldn't desire true harm on their lover. Not even the "cold-hearted" ego.

"Oh, danger smanger!" Wil said, making a dismissive motion with his hand. It resulted in him swinging a bit, something that did not ease Dark's nerves at all. "Let me be a part of the decorations!"

A low growl escaped. This idiot would give him a heart attack if the organ still functioned. "Will you quit moving around?!" He snapped, his form glitching before appearing on top of the flat rooftop. Right where a cord of lights spilled over the side, attached to the interviewer's ankle. "It might loosen the cord and you'll fall, ending up hurt. Plus, it will hinder the process of getting you out of this mess."

"Oh poppycock!" Yet, despite wanting to be stubborn and prove he was safe, that he was not hindering anything, he stilled. Simply tilting his head in order to see his boyfriend peering over the edge, testing to see if he was in arm reach. 

"Alright," the grey being began, satisfied with at least something. "I'm going to pull you up by your feet, and if you dare kick or anything and cause either of us to fall, I will not hesitate to make you sleep in your own bedroom tonight. Understood?"

Exclamations of indignation were sputtered out, protesting he wasn't that careless while waving his arms around. "Wilford." He warned, tight-lipped as the other swayed again. Once they quieted to mumbling and crossed their arms, a brow raised at the behavior yet accepted it anyway. "Better. I'm going to pull you up now."

After a few tense minutes and a close call, Dark stumbled back, falling onto his back with a grunt. His lover falling on top of him didn't help as it knocked the air out of him. Not that he had much to lose anyway… As they both laid there, catching their breaths, the pink-haired fella squeezed him tightly. "My knight in shining armor! You shall be rewarded handsomely tonight if you don't kick me out." 

Alright. That sort of earned a soft huff of amusement. Though, there were still going to be repercussions. Ones that needed to get through his lover's reckless head. "You are no longer permitted to decorate alone. So as long as you can follow that rule, we can continue sharing a room. Understood?"

That got him a whine of protest. "But Daarrrk- I am not some child that needs supervising!" 

Oh, how he wanted to argue that, but the guy decided it’d be a waste of time. "Perhaps not, but you are my partner and I’d rather not have you risk yourself like that without someone around to prevent it, or at least aid you afterwards.” He paused, observing while letting that sink in. It was clear by how Wil’s face became less pouty that he was finally realizing why Dark’s feathers were ruffled. “Now do you understand?"

With a nod, Wil pressed a sweet and reassuring kiss to their cheek. “Yeppers! I do indeed, my beautiful raven.” Then, without further ado, nuzzled his neck. "My apologies for the scare I might've caused." 

Between that and the affection, it was enough to draw out a little smile, more at ease now. Enough so to plant his lips on their head for a few seconds, simply expressing his relief and love. With a satisfied hum, Dark pulled away, still holding onto him. "It's alright, Wil. You didn't mean to frighten me this time. However-" A look of seriousness popped up, but soon faded away to a smirk as he finished speaking. "If you try jumpscaring or pranking me on Halloween after this incident, I might not be so forgiving~"

"I'll keep that in mind, Darkling~" The eccentric giggled out, wearing a lopsided grin as his eyes sparkled.

"Good." Another pause. This time glancing over the other male's body before meeting his gaze again. "Now, how about we get you untangled and finish setting up the lights, my vexatious bat?" 

"I think you meant 'My precious bat', love~" 

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

With a quiet chuckle and shake of the head, Wil was freed from the cord before they finished up with the lights, managing to do so without any more accidents. And when night came, the manor was indeed more terrifying thanks to the ominous glow and outdoor horrors, truly looking like a haunted house where strange beings lived.

Please don't steal my story.

Have a wonderful day/night! :D

[yaffles-world]

Darkstache Week - Day 3. Autumn

No real content warnings for this one. Hope you enjoy :)

@projectdarkstache

Words: 575

“But its cold!” Wilford whined, as Dark tried to get him to go outside. The sun was setting, and it had been a beautiful autumn day.

“Come on Wil, we can get the autumn leaves to help decorate the house if you want to,” Dark asked. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he just couldn’t stand to be in the house any longer and wanted to go outside.

Wilford paused for a second and looked thoughtfully into the distance, his eyebrows furrowed. “Okay… I guess we can go,” his eyes perked up and he jumped up and ran out the door.

“Wil!” Dark shouted, “You’re not going to put on a jacket after whinging about the cold?” It was no use. Wil was already far out into the outdoors now. Dark put on his coat, and grabbed one for Wil.

Dark walked out and spotted Wilford. He was looking up at a giant maple tree. Dark sighed and walked towards him.

“I want that leaf,” Wilford pointed high up into the tree.

Dark sighed again. “Do you see how many leaves are on that tree? And how many other trees there are? And how many leaves that are freshly fallen, on the ground? Why in hell do you want that leaf.”

Wilford pouted. “I thought you said we could collect leaves for the house.”

Dark pushed his head into his hands and took a breath. He loved Wilford, but on a logical level sometimes he just could not understand him. Most of the time he’d come to peace with this, but when attempting to stop him from committing reckless acts, it made him particularly frustrated.

When he took his hands off his face, Wil was already climbing the tree.

“Wilford, get down from there!” Dark shouted.

Wilford just kept on climbing, leaving Dark to look on in horror. The tree rocked, as the branches got thinner. Eventually, Wilford couldn’t climb any higher but was still out of reach of that leaf that he wanted. So, he pulled out his gun and shot at it – the shot rang through the surroundings, and was followed by a huge crash. Going one handed and the push from the gunshot had left Wilford off balance, and he had fallen. As Dark rushed to him, Wilford said through gasps of air, “Get… the… leaf…”

Surprisingly the leaf had been successfully removed from the tree, the wind had picked it up out of the treetop and it was scuttling along the ground. Dark rolled his eyes and laughed despite himself at his partners priorities, but he walked over and bent down to pick up the leaf.

Rushing over to Wilford, Dark sat down next to him. “Here you go,” Dark handed him the leaf. He wasn’t big on physical affection, but Dark thought it would be best for the purposes of comforting Wilford so he rubbed Wilford’s shoulder. Attempting to inspect if there had been any damage, he asked how Wilford was feeling.

“Pretty shit, but I don’t think anything’s broken – the lower branches broke the fall.”

“Jesus,” said Dark, putting his face in his hands again. “Well, I hope it was worth it.”

“It was,” Wilford said, and he gave Dark a kiss, quick and sweet.

Dark got up and held out his hands, which Wilford used to heave himself up. He limped forward a couple steps and pointed to another tree.

“I climb that one now.”