Boy Of The Forest [Malum]

Epilogue

"Michael! I'm home!" Michael didn't move hearing his father walk into the house after his very long work trip. Michael smiled looking at Jack and Alex who were sitting in the armchairs playing video games trying not to scream at each other for killing each other. He looked at Ollie sleeping on Jack's lap soundly his foot healed completely after being sprained. He then looked at his perfect boyfriend who was asleep on Michael's shoulder still tired from last nights movie night that the four had. 

"What is going on in here?" Michael looked over at his father who stood at the entry way to the living room. He watched his father scan the living room Alex and Jack waving at the man continuing to play their game, Ollie opening his eyes to look at his other master before closing them. Michael's fathers eyes landed on the boy sleeping on his son's shoulder.

"Michael can I talk to you in the kitchen?" He asked his son Michael only nodding putting a pillow under Calum's head as he moved it off of his shoulder.

"How was work?" Michael asked walking into the kitchen.

"A hassle that is getting to the point of not being worth it anymore." His father laughed shaking his head. He grabbed a cup and the coffee that wasn't very old making himself a cup. "So you like him?"

"It always is. And who?" Michael asked sitting on one of the bar stools.

"Calum." 

"How do you know his name?" Michael asked slightly worried.

"Alex. He told me almost everything. You know, your mother used to talk about this little boy who she wished was hers. She always wanted you to have sibling, but after she had you, and she got sick, we knew it wouldn't happen. She dreamed of this little boy, who looks just like Calum. She dreamed of how you two would be the best of friends one day, that you were just destined for it. I never believed her much, just letting her have that. When she told me about the little boy in the forest, it was her dying wish for me to not tell you about him, for you to meet him on your own. That's why I never let you into the forest. I mostly didn't believe it, but knew that if the boy was real, you would meet him by breaking my rules, which would make it a thousand times more worth it. It was never for nothing Michael." 

"That's why no one ever told me?" Michael was shocked that the truth was now coming out. He was happy about it, now knowing the reason for his father's rule. For all of it. 

"Yes. I take it that your dreams are gone now."

"Yeah, which I'm kind of sad about, but it's nice because now I have my forest boy here with me. I don't have to wonder if I'll ever meet him or if he was ever real, because now he's in my arms whenever I want him to be." Michael smiled looking over his shoulder to the entryway to the living room. 

"I'm glad your happy now Michael. I know losing your mom has always been hard on you, but think of him slightly as your moms dying wish for you, the thing she always wanted for you." 

"I will. I already don't know what I would do without him." Michael smiled. The father and son sat in silence making small talk until Michael felt arms wrap around his waist. 

"Morning sleepyhead." Michael laughed kissing the boys cheek.

"Morning. Never keep me up that late again okay? We do not need to watch like eight movies in one sitting ever again." Calum laughed hiding his face in Michael's neck.

"So, Cal, I want you to meet my dad. Dad this is Calum, the boy of the forest." Michael grinned as Calum pulled his body away from his standing in front of Michael's father.

"Nice to meet you son." Michael's father smiled holding his hand out to Calum.

"Nice to meet you sir." Calum said shaking the man's hand. The two smiled at each other before breaking the hand shake. Mr. Clifford made himself more coffee while Calum sat next to Michael playing with his hands.

"You know, Mrs. Oak is moving out of her house and his going to live with family, and we can't have an empty house, why don't you two move in there?" Michael's eyes widened looking at his father.

"Really?" Michael grinned.

"Yeah, it's about time you move out. I know it's just down the street, but you don't have to look for a house, and you won't have to pay for anything but food. Well, until you get well enough paying jobs that is. I'm not going to pay everything forever." 

"Thank you so much dad!" Michael jumped up giving his father a hug. This was probably the best day that Michael and his father have had since Michael's mother died, maybe it was the father son relationship mending itself, or maybe it was Calum, the boy the she always wished that Michael would have in his life to make him happy. 

The Boy of the Forest, was always a hidden gem, but a good one. Forever, their story will stay between them and the people who matter most to them, along with a sneaky little dog, and three angels who smile down at them everyday.

Fin.