The Idea of You (Bdoc Royal AU)

Chapter Twenty-Two: Recovery

[Day 23]

When he woke up, Bdubs had still felt extremely weak and was mostly in and out of consciousness for all of yesterday. As for today, he was given a mana boost to help him get up.

But even with the boost from the crystal, he had to brace himself on Doc's arm as he stood up from the bed. The prince held him, reassuringly squeezing his hand. "You sure you're up for this?" He whispered as Bdubs took a few deep breaths.

"Yes, I can manage." Despite trying his best to maintain his calm composure, Bdubs was scared he wouldn't be able to help heal the forest. It was already almost there anyway, but he wanted to contribute, even if it was just a little.

Gripping Doc's hand and leaning against him, he let the hybrid lead him out of the palace. He had refused shoes, feeling the cold, smooth tiles beneath his feet switch to the slightly rough stone path outside.

It was mid-morning, the grass mostly dry but still slightly wet from early-morning dew. The prince took a deep breath, filling in his nose with the sweet scent of the healing woods. There was still that hint of bitterness, for the parts of the Magical Wood that had yet to recover.

He winced as he stepped through the entrance. A wave of pain washed over him.

Doc must've noticed as he kissed his head and murmured in his ear, "Let me know the moment you want to leave, or if you need anything."

"Alright," he whispered, closing his eyes for a moment.

I can do this.

He followed the path towards the heart of the forest. Bdubs knew the trail so well, he didn't have to look down to know where to step over a rock or a fallen branch.

Feeling eyes on him, he looked up and smiled at Doc's worried stare. "I'm alright, Doc. Don't worry," he assured him with a light laugh.

"Sorry, I can't help it. You- When you were passed out you were so... still. It was terrifying." His voice grew quieter with each word.

Bdubs pursed his lips, pausing in his steps to pull him down into a gentle kiss. "I know," he murmured against his lips. "But I'm still here, and that won't happen again. I promise."

Doc pulled him into a tight hug, burying his face in his shoulder. "And what if it does?" His voice cracked at the possibility.

Closing his eyes, Bdubs squeezed him and leaned his head against him. "It won't. But... if somehow it does, then we know I'll be okay, right?"

"I- that's true, but it won't stop me from worrying. Please just, can you promise not to be reckless like that again?"

Pulling back to look into his eyes, Bdubs kissed him once more. "I promise to not be reckless so you won't have to worry." He laced their fingers together and continued to walk beside him on the path.

Finally, they reached the heart of the forest.

A large circular clearing surrounded by different-sized glowing mushrooms, slowly changing in color. Lush trees and bushes behind and small flowers in front of the mushrooms. All of the mages were kneeling around the edges of the clearing, hands woven between the grass. The kings were in the center, in the same pose. Pulses of light emitted from each of them in sync, spreading through the grass like rocks skipping on a lake.

"Stay here," Bdubs whispered, kissing Doc's ring before letting go of his hand.

He carefully stepped into the circle and joined his fathers. "Don't push yourself. If you ever need to stop before it's done, stop," Cub murmured as he slipped his fingers between the blades of grass. Nodding, he closed his eyes and focused all of his magical energy.