Chapter Text
Chapter 6: Epilogue
Standing at the edge of the room, I can finally take everything in, and I find myself impressed at how the living room has been transformed.
The couches had been moved to make room for a dance floor, complete with lights and a music setup, where Claire was currently trying to teach Ray and Dave the wonders of modern music. And judging by the look on her face, it wasn’t going great.
Diego and Patch’s ceremony had been a low-key affair. A simple arch at the end of the rooftop walkway, the families all gathered around to share in their joyous union.
Where their ceremony was soft and sweet, their reception was elegant and outrageous. This was a party, plain and simple. However, if you looked at the way Diego and Luther were behaving, you would think it was a college party.
I can’t help but laugh though. They deserved to be carefree and let loose. So long as they didn’t tip over the cake.
The cake table jolted as Luther stumbled into it, but he quickly recovered and grasped onto the sides, effectively stopping the cake from toppling over.
I could see his head darting around to see if Sloane or Allison had seen it. Luckily for him, they were distracted talking with the newest Hargreeve sister. They’d kill him if he destroyed any part of their handiwork.
I can’t contain my snort of laughter. Shaking my head, my eyes travel over to where the group of them were; Sloane, showing Sissy and Allison her design work on Patch’s wedding dress.
She looked beautiful, and I was glad she was a part of the family.
Diego’s new bride seemed a welcome addition, tough yet kind, a combination I respected. When I introduced myself yesterday, she asked me to call her Patch—and then threatened to stab me if I ever called her Eudora.
They were perfect for each other.
I let my eyes wander around the room and found myself overwhelmed with emotion.
We did it.
Here my family was, alive and thriving. All living happy lives and getting everything we’d never thought possible.
Finally…we were free.
Lively music started playing, and looking to my right, I saw Klaus had finally gained control of the music.
“Time to pump up the party bitches!” He yelled enthusiastically, reaching out to pull Dave onto the dance floor.
“Language! There are children present!” Diego shouted from the other side of the room, hands trying to cover the ears of the children closest to him. Little Grace and Harlan were less than impressed, squirming away from him and starting to dance.
Klaus waves him off, “Cussing is an art form in this family, and the little mongrels better get used to it.”
Dave spins him away and calls over his shoulder. “Sorry, Diego...It’ll probably happen again.” Klaus laughs, and everyone else joins in. Diego pouts until Ben hands him another drink, and he forgets to be upset.
Soon, everyone seems to be dancing. I look for Lila, knowing she’ll want me to join her on the dancefloor, but I can’t see her anywhere. Before I can take a step to look for her, I feel a tugging on my sleeve and look down to see Coco.
“What’s up, kiddo?” I ask, squatting down so I can look her in the eyes. She looks up at me, her eyes wide. “The other kids are all dancing and leaving me out.” Her face scrunches in a pout.
“I’m sorry, little one. Is there anyone else you’d like to dance with? I’m sure your mom or dad would love to dance with you. I can help you find them if you need me to.” I stand and reach out my hand for her to take. She takes my hand, but she pulls me back when I go to move.
“Mommy is putting my brother to bed, and Daddy is dancing with Auntie Patch….Could you dance with me?”
For a second, I am struck speechless. Kids had never really been my thing; in fact, I’m pretty sure this is the longest conversation I’ve ever had with one. But looking down at her, I can’t stop the warmth that floods my heart. And, for the first time, I don’t feel guilty for the softness I feel.
“Of course, kiddo. Let’s go!” She lets out an excited giggle and runs to the dancefloor, dragging me along.
After several songs of dancing like a lunatic to make Coco laugh and ignoring all the jests about how the old man has moves, the music shifts to a slow song. The older kids leave to find something else to do, suddenly bored as the adults couple up for the slow dance.
Coco starts to look put out, so I take her hands and lift her to stand on my toes. “Hold onto my hands and keep your feet on my toes.” I start to sway to the rhythm of the music, and she lets out a delighted giggle. I can’t help but smile down at her.
Maybe kids weren’t so bad….maybe.
Someone taps my shoulder and clears their throat.
“May I cut in?” Lila smiles at me and then looks down at her daughter.
“Mommy!” Coco launches at her mom and gives her a big hug. “Uncle Five danced with me because the big kids were mean.” Lila smiles sweetly at her.
“Awe, that’s lovely sweetheart.” She lowers her voice to a whisper. “You know, I heard that Pogo is in the kitchen handing out sweets. Usually, you’re not allowed this late, but it’s a special occasion. So you might want to go and get some before your dad finds out.” Coco lets out a gasp and starts to run towards the kitchen. Yelling back as she goes, “Sorry, Uncle Five, I gotta go.”
I chuckle at her; oh, to be young and so easily able to find joy.
Feeling Lila’s hands take mine, I easily maneuver us into a comfortable position, swaying to the music.
“How long were you watching?” I ask, finally looking into her eyes. Bright and beautiful as always, peering into mine as if I hung the moon.
“Sooo long.” She laughs, her tone light and teasing. “That was very sweet of you. And I know that it meant a lot to her. Though, I do have to say I was captivated, truly, by the impressive moves you have. Where have you been hiding those, pray tell?”
I shake my head in mock exasperation, and instead of answering, I spin her around. Enjoying the sound of her laughter.
I spin her back and pull her tightly against me. Leaning close to her ear, I whisper, “I haven’t been hiding them. You know all about my impressive moves, love. I just decided they were more useful….elsewhere.”
I pull back and look into her eyes, and I can’t contain my smirk at what I find. Her eyes had darkened; she looked positively predatory.
“A wise decision on your part, darling.”
“How would you feel about getting out of here and letting me show you some?” As I ask, she bites her lip and takes a backwards step towards the door. She raises her eyebrow in question.
“Okay, everyone, time for the cake!” Sloane’s voice yelled from across the room, bringing reality into focus around us. And while I wanted nothing more than to go upstairs and make good on my word, maybe dipping out of Deigo’s wedding early wasn’t the wisest choice. There was no need to rock the boat when things were just starting to feel normal again.
That doesn’t mean I can’t be grumpy about it. Lila laughs at the frown I couldn’t stop from overtaking my face.
“I’m sorry, darling.” She takes my hand and pulls me towards the cake, where the family is starting to gather. “Come. Let’s have some cake; it’ll make you feel better.”
“You’re incorrigible when it comes to sweets; you know that?” I laugh as we take the open spot next to Ben and Jennifer, my hands coming to rest on her hips as she stands in front of me. She tilts her head back and winks.
Minx.
The sounds of clinking glass had us all looking toward Diego and Patch standing next to the cake.
“Before we cut the cake, I wanted to take a minute and say a few words.” Diego looks at his new bride. “First, I want to say that I can’t believe this is real. I never in a million years thought we’d be able to have this, but I am beyond happy that I get to marry the love of my life. I love you, Eudora Patch, and I can’t wait for us to spend the rest of our lives together.”
The newlyweds smile at each other and I see Patch teasingly punch Diego in the side; he just laughs. Definitely perfect for each other.
Diego looks out over the rest of us, tears welling in his eyes. “Second, I’m so fucking glad we didn’t die six months ago.” A chorus of cheers ring out around the room. “To see you all happy is nothing short of a miracle. Here’s to getting that happy ending we all deserved.”
As everyone raises their drinks in the air or cheers, Diego’s eyes meet mine, and he winks. I nod back at him, grateful to him in ways I will never be able to fully express.
~
The rest of the reception passes in a blur of booze and bickering. Once the kids had gone to bed, Viktor and Ben pulled out the good stuff, and let’s just say we may not be seeing some of them for several days.
After everyone peeled off and started heading out, Lila dragged me to the rooftop. Sitting on a blanket we found stashed in the greenhouse, we watched the stars—a comfortable silence between us.
Looking over at Lila lying next to me, I am again overwhelmed with how much I love her. Hoping now would be a good time; I ask a question that has been on my mind for much longer than I’d care to admit.
“Would you ever consider getting married again?”
She turns to look at me. “If that’s you proposing Five, my answer has to be no. I require something much more romantic…and ostentatious.” She’s smirking now, teasing me.
I move to sit up, and her smile falls.
“Five, I’m just kidding. I’m sor…” I reach into my pocket and pull out a drawstring pouch, effectively cutting off whatever she thought she’d need to apologize for.
“I don’t know about ostentatious, but I think I can manage romantic.” I move to kneel, and she quickly sits up, eyes wide in surprise. “Five, what are you…”
I open the pouch and pull out the ring inside.
“I never saw myself wanting to get married…. that was, until I fell for you. I started working on this ring while making your bracelet, hoping I’d one day have the chance to use it. Then, I found the journal.” I looked away, holding back the tears that threatened to surface. “Once I found it, I knew it was only a matter of time before everything changed and you were taken from me. And I was right.”
I took a breath, hoping it would hide how shaky my voice was becoming. “While I was away for the last several months, I decided to finish it. I told myself it was to keep my mind and hands occupied, but in truth, I think it was a way to keep you close. And now you’re here, and we can finally be happy…together.”
Finally, I look at her, tears falling down her cheeks.
“You’ve changed me for the better and filled my life with so much love and joy. You are the love of my life and the keeper of my soul; the only one I trust with my heart. It would be a privilege to be trusted with yours as your husband.” Our tear-filled eyes meet. “Lila, my love, will you marry me?”
Without hesitation, she answers, “Yes. A thousand times, yes.” She takes my face in her hands and kisses me. Pulling back, she holds her hand out, and I slide the ring onto her finger. The silver band was simple, with a sapphire stone set between two leaves made of diamonds.
“Oh, Five, it’s beautiful.”
“Just like it’s wearer.” She kisses me again, this time deepening the kiss. Our mouths moved together in perfect harmony, as if made for each other.
She pulls back and stands, holding her hand out for me to take. As she helps me up from off the ground, she says,” I think it’s time you showed me those moves of yours, my dear future husband.” She walks backward, guiding me along, smile so bright it was blinding.
“Mmm, I think you’re right, my darling future wife.” I smile at her in indulgent delight. “By all means, lead the way.”
As we race through the hallways like teenagers, I can’t help but think that this all may have been taken away from me. That I would have died without my brother’s forgiveness and without ever getting the chance to be with Lila again. Dead and gone, without ever getting to be properly happy.
My fucking nightmare.
It makes me immeasurably grateful that Dad’s people decided to save us and give us what we always wanted: a place to call home. And the opportunity to rebuild our lives the right way.
An opportunity that I don’t intend to waste.
As I draw Lila closer, finally in the privacy of our room, I promise myself that I won’t ever forget the gift we’ve been given. And never take for granted this life of ours.
“I love you, Lila.”
“I love you too, Five.”
Our lips meet, and here in the darkness of our room, wrapped in the arms of the woman I love, I know that everything will be okay.
The End