The Better Pill (2D X Murdoc)

Epilogue (1/2)

Part 1/2

High school ended with a bittersweet finale for the two lovers. Stuart kept his job at 'Uncle Norm's' and Murdoc started working at a nearby auto shop. He'd always had a knack when it came to dealing with machinery.

The two were around each other more often than not, but Stuart couldn't help but think about popping the big question; Will you move in with me? 

There were multiple reasons as to why he wanted to ask Murdoc. Such as keeping him away from his abusive home, spending more time together, and overall knowing that his lover would have a safe place to return to at the end of the day.

It scared him half to death when Murdoc wouldn't contact him after a certain period of time; only to find out later that his dad or Hannibal had beaten him to the point where he couldn't move. Stuart wanted to be there for him and provide him a safe haven from the rest of the cruel world. Give him a place where he could feel welcome.

Stuart had already picked out a flat, and with the help of his parents, rented it out and started moving in. He kept it all a secret from Murdoc, and was hoping to surprise him with it on his twentieth birthday, only a week from now.

The flat was on the smaller side with only one bedroom and one bathroom, a rinky-dink kitchen, and a small living space for the tele and maybe a piece of furniture if they were lucky. But by the time Stuart had finished moving in, the place held a comfortable and warm feeling. 

His guitar and keyboard sat in the small living space by the brand new futon he'd purchased. He made sure to leave space for Murdoc's bass as well. The kitchen was stocked with food from a grocery run he'd just done, making sure to buy his and Murdoc's favorite kinds of tea and coffee for early mornings. The bedroom was now filled by a queen sized bed which had white sheets and black covers, and a dresser where both he and Murdoc could store their clothing.

The purchase of a singular bed made Stuart quite frantic, but he couldn't hide his secret desire to sleep beside his boyfriend. And they were both of age so he couldn't help but think about... that as well. With Murdoc.

Stuart's face flushed red as he walked down to their usual meeting spot at the alleyway, the jingle of a key emitting from his pocket. Murdoc never wanted to meet at his house in case his father or brother were to see the bluenette and beat him up. And Stuart's family didn't even know of Murdoc's existence, let alone that he was a male and his lover. It was their dirty little secret. 

It wasn't like either of them were ashamed of their relationship. They often walked around town holding hands and exchanging kisses here and there when they felt like it. But when it came to their families... they didn't mind not sharing the truth.

. . .

Stuart's eyes lit up when he saw Murdoc heading towards the alleyway. He double-checked his pocket, just to make sure the key he planned to give his lover was still there and was content when he found that it was.

"'appy twentiff, Muds!" Stuart smiled, capturing his boyfriend in a hug.

Murdoc smiled sheepishly at the affection, still growing used to receiving it every time he was around the bluenette.

"Thanks, Stu." He replied, pushing himself up on the balls of his feet to press a gentle kiss to Stuart's lips.

The taller of the two smiled as they parted, jumbling with the key in his pocket.

"I got ya a present." Stuart announces, now feeling an overwhelming pressure overcome what was left of his confidence.

"Ya didn't 'ave ta do tha'. I told ya not to." Murdoc grumbles, beginning to walk down the barren street hand-in-hand with Stuart.

"Will ya move in wiff me?" 

The words fall from the bluenette's mouth in a jumble, unrehearsed and messy. There was no preparation for the words but rather a sloppy delivery. His plan to lay down the question coolly to impress his boyfriend was nowhere to be found in the now heavy atmosphere that surrounded them.

Murdoc paused in the middle of the sidewalk, causing the bluenette to look back at him with a worried gleam in his eye. He screwed up and he knew it. 

"Do what?" Murdoc asked, as if he hadn't properly heard the question the first time around.

Stuart faltered for a second, his crystal eyes failing to meet Murdoc's.

"Move... in wiff me." He says a second time, albeit much quieter. 

Murdoc looks past his fringe and into the scared eyes of his lover, tightening his grasp on the other's hand.

"Ya mean it? You'd be okay livin' with me?"

Stuart's eyes widened and he frantically nodded his head, more than okay with the idea of sharing a flat with Murdoc. At the sight of it, the short of the two wrapped the taller in a hug once again, squeezing him tight as if afraid to let go.

He murmured a soft 'thank you' against the bluenette's shirt and slowly released his tight grasp.

"Let's go 'ome then."