together.
They didn’t make it on campus, instead choosing to live near the forest ten minutes away. Foster and Axle went on nightly walks, and Foster seemed to soak up the forest just as much as he did in the fae realm. Axle had grown to love the sounds and smells of the forest just as much…craved it, actually. He and Foster were truly meant to be together. They were two of kind.
Man, Foster had proven time and again just how much of a miracle he was in Axle’s life. Axle had fallen hard for Foster. There was no way to avoid it, and he had something in his pocket that was a mortal tradition he was going to take over to the fae realm. He just had to work his courage up to ask the question that he so wanted to ask.
The building came into view, and they screeched to a halt. They both jumped out of the car and hauled ass into the building. The place was crowded, and they searched all over the place for the redhead with white tips. There, over to the side sat Puck, holding two seats for Foster and Axle. Making their way around the people, they took their seats just in time.
“Good timing.” Puck leaned over, looking at Axle. “How’d your last session go?” he whispered.
“Good. I’m ready to head home now.” Home…the fae realm where they would all be returning tonight. Yeah, he might not have been from there, but he was going home. Wherever Foster was, that was it for him.
Puck grabbed him by the back of the neck and hugged him. “You did good, Axle. Glad I don’t have to kill you now.”
“Gee, thanks.” That was Puck for you. Bloodthirsty brother-in-law that was protective as hell toward Torque. Axle's chest puffed up knowing that Torque would never have to face another dark time with this fae loving him.
Music came over the sound system as a row of professors filed two at a time down the middle row of the indoor athletic facility. A few moments later, everyone stood up and cheered as the graduates made their way down. Axle long-necked until he found his brother smiling, walking in his cap and gown. Cords and cowl decorated his neck, showing the many achievements and activities he had done in the past four years.
Dammit if Axle’s eyes didn’t sting a little that his brother had made it. He was so damn proud at how strong and amazing his brother was. Hell, he looked up to his younger brother.
Foster embraced him. “You okay?” He chuckled at him.
“Yeah,” Axle said hoarsely, thankful for all the cheering to cover his voice. He wiped his eyes. “I’m just so damn proud. He did it.”
Foster kissed him softly on the lips and whispered in his ear, “You did it too. I’m so proud of you.”
While he didn’t go to college when he came back, he started out in therapy three days a week, and now…well, he knew he was on the right road to go back and survive. Instead, Axle confessed he had trouble reading, and Foster would spend their afternoons patiently teaching him to read. It had become one of Axle’s favorite things to do, read to Foster in the woods while Foster rested his head in his lap.
Axle snapped out of his thoughts when the speaker called for everyone to be seated. Foster held him the entire time as the speeches began and when the graduates walked across for their diplomas. When Torque started walking across the stage, the three of them stood and shouted. What they didn’t expect was a loud cheer from the back. Turning, Axle recognized Queen Titania and Brokk. Two other individuals were there, and everyone was giving them a wide birth to stand.
Axle turned his attention back to his brother and clapped, whistling as Torque grabbed his diploma and instead of waving it, hugged it to his chest. Sheesh, he was tearing up again. Axle was a damn mess.
The three finally sat down, and Axle turned to see the four fae still there. “Who’s that with Queen Titania and Brokk?” Axle whispered to Foster.
“That’s King Oberon and Khellan. Unseelie king and Puck’s best friend.”
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