Word: Photograph

Apologies if the ending is a bit sad…I didn't actually intend for it to go the way it did but well…Anyways, lotsa language in (only) one of the scenes, implied death. If it isn't clear once you start reading, the scenes switch perspective every once in a while. It shouldn't be too important, but if it confuses anyone, it's just most likely because the perspectives are unevenly switched throughout this whole thing! Enjoy!

3.7k words

"I don't understand why we have to do this."

"Awww, what's wrong, Balthazar? You don't want to take a photo with me?"

Dakota smiled easily at Cavendish, tugging gently on his leather jacket. It was a tad bit dirty from their little adventure of saving those little kids from the bus door, but he's sure he could get it cleaned. Hopefully.

Cavendish ran a hand through his blonde hair to fix it in preparation for the photo. Though, it was more of a golden. Strawberry blonde?

"No, I don't. And why are you staring at me like that?"

"What color's your hair?"

"Pardon?"

"What color is your hair?" Dakota leaned against the wall- it wasn't like the line for photos was moving very fast. "I can't tell if it's like…a golden blond or a weird strawberry blond? Or is it not blond at all?"

"I…?" Cavendish looked bewildered. Dakota should keep a tally of how often he could confuse the uptight agent. That'll be fun. "Okay? It's honey-blonde, if you need to know. Why do you need to know anyways?"

"I don't. Just was interested, s'all."

"Right…"

The line moved forward a little, and Dakota pushed off the wall.

"Don't call me Balthazar."

It was quietly said, like it wasn't sure if it was supposed to be said at all or not. Dakota didn't bother turning, though he asked, "Why?"

"We're partners now. Don't be so informal."

"Yes sir, Agent Cavendish, sir."

Agent Cavendish huffed, but if he was going to say something, he didn't get the chance. The photographer motioned them in front of the white sheet playing as the background, and they took their spots, side by side. Dakota gave a loose smile, while Cavendish cleared his throat and straightened up. This'll be a fun partnership.

"Fix your tie."

"Why? My tie's fine." Still, Dakota gently tugged on it, eyes searching the room through colored lenses. He wanted to get out of here fast, and if that meant stop slacking and actually find their target, he was game. He always hated these fancy black collared parties.

"Now it is. Do you see him anywhere?"

"You're taller than I am. Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"

Cavendish didn't respond, and Dakota didn't bother pressing.

"The annual photograph will be taken soon! Anyone who wishes to participate, please come over here!"

The duo glanced over at where a woman in a stunning red dress was waving her hand, a champagne glass in her other hand. A man with a camera in their hand was standing next to her, fidgeting with some of the settings. A small crowd began to drift towards the two.

"Photo for what? What organization even is this? C'mon, we don't want them to think we want a part of it."

Fingers encircled his wrist, and Cavendish glanced back, scoffing as Dakota stared at the growing crowd.

"Let's take a picture, Cav."

"What?! First off, please don't call me that. Secondly, why in the world-"

"Look."

Cavendish followed where Dakota nodded towards, stopping his tugging against Dakota's grasp. In a black suit, similar to theirs, but with a gentle blue tie, their target stood. He had a wide grin, easily talking with one of the party goers, making her laugh.

"Good eye, Agent Dakota."

Dakota glanced back at him, and Cavendish wasn't sure if the raised eyebrow was from the compliment or the fact that he'd emphasized the Agent part. They were working professionals, after all. They needed to be formal, especially with how important their line of work was.

"...Right. Anyways, let's get on either side of him in the photo- to box him in and cuz I think it'll look funny if we ever show the picture to anyone else."

"Of course you do."

"Then, once it's over, I'll distract him, and lead him towards the parking lot, and you get ready for the arrest. Alright?"

"Alright, then."

They easily slipped into the crowd that had grown while they spoke, Cavendish trying to keep near the target, and Dakota just mingling and throwing in odd jokes. When the photographer called for everyone to get together, they managed to sandwich their target (His name was Mr. Rocher, wasn't it?) between them. After a few pictures, the crowd dispersed, as did Cavendish, and Dakota turned towards Mr. Rocher with a wide smile.

"Hello, there! My name's Vinnie Dakota. And you are?"

"Please stop staring. That's uncomfortable."

"What the hell, Cav."

Cavendish sighed, leaning against his desk, hopefully to stave off some of the uncomfortableness that he felt. And it was a lot. "My name's not-"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, but still. What the hell."

"It's not that weird, is it?" Was this a bad idea?

"Woah, hang on- I didn't say that! It's just- what the hell?"

"Stop swearing, my god!"

"I'm not-What?! Hell is not a swear word!"

"It's where you'll be going though!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Dakota rolled his eyes and stepped closer, observing Cavendish. "Y'know, it kinda suits ya."

A hand went up to card through his hair instinctively. "Do you really think so? Or are you just saying that to make me feel better?"

"Nah, seriously! It's a weird change, but it makes sense. You dress like an old man anyways!"

"Dakota!"

"Hah! You didn't use 'Agent' for me!"

Cavendish sighed, deciding to sit atop his desk. The relief on his legs didn't last long though as he was tugged forward, yelping. "Dakota!"

"Again! You didn't use it! Anyways, let me take a picture in case you change it again."

"I'm not-Wait! …I wasn't ready."

"Hah, alright, smile!"

And Cavendish did, a soft, uncertain smile, because he wasn't too comfortable with Dakota's picture-taking, but also at the strange grey staring back at him. Where he was used to honey-blonde hair neatly poking out in the picture frame, a strange grey replaced it. It felt weird, not to see that burst of colour, but…it was nice. And Cavendish was sort of glad Dakota took the picture. He gave a brighter smile and the screen blinked white for a second, indicating a picture taken.

"Aww, I didn't know you could actually smile!"

"Sod off."

"Oooh, harsh language. So ungentleman-like!"

"The part, that I have here, looks a little strange with the grey, doesn't it?"

Dakota lowered his camera, turning to look straight at Cavendish. He gulped at how close he was, definitely invading his personal space, but he stayed still for the sake of having his hair critiqued.

"Yeah, a little. Think you'll change your style?"

He patted the front bangs. It felt like the grey color should change how it felt, but it didn't. How strange. "Yes, most likely."

"I need another photo for when that happens."

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping. It was warm, but not too warm. It was damn nice.

"I feel like something's going to go bad today."

"Cuz it's so nice?"

Cavendish nodded, squinting skeptically. "Something's bound to go wrong today."

"Ah…if ya say so…"

Cavendish looked down at Dakota, raising an eyebrow. "You don't think so?"

Dakota glanced up at him through his sunglasses, giving a small smile. "Why would I? It's a nice day, so it's a nice day, so enjoy it."

"I suppose you're right…is something I never thought that I'd say." He made a face, something that made Dakota laugh, momentarily taking off the exhausted look he seemed to wear constantly now. It started a while back, and some days, Dakota looked like he was ready to collapse. Some days, he didn't want to look at Cavendish at all, and he had no idea why. He tried his best to cheer up Dakota on those days, or give him space and quiet if he needed it, but some days he simply…couldn't. Seeing him laugh so genuinely and wholeheartedly like he used to, before he looked so haunted and upset, was a real treat. "Would you like to go through the park?"

"Sure thing, Ca-"

"Don't."

"Didn't say a word." There was a certain mischievous twinkle in Dakota's eyes that Cavendish couldn't help but smile at.

"Hang on-"

Dakota paused at the entrance of the park, looking back curiously. "Lost something?"

"No- quite on the contrary, I've found a moment."

"What-?"

Click.

"Oh wow, I captured your confusion perfectly!"

Dakota stared dumbly at the phone in Cavendish's hand, where he just took a picture of Dakota. He swiped to the photo, laughing at the pure amused confusion that Dakota held in his face. "That is an amazing photo!"

"Wait, show me!"

Cavendish passed the photo onto Dakota, who grinned, but almost immediately hid it behind a frown. "Awww, Cav! This looks nothing like me! You've failed to capture my haunting beauty and elegance!"

Cavendish swiped back his phone, snorting. "If only there was any of that to capture!" He didn't even mind Dakota's use of his last name, if it meant keeping that smile a moment more.

"Let's at least take a photo together- I look weird by myself!"

"Fine, fine- it's perfect lighting with this weather, anyways!"

Thank god they took it then and there, genuine happiness and laughter in both their faces, one photo serious, the other goofy- right before a nasty storm rolled in.

"Caaaav! Ya jinxed it!"

"They're so pretty…" Dakota looked up, the noise mostly faint, thank goodness, but the colors of the fireworks reflected just as brightly in his sunglasses as if they were right underneath them.

"Agreed…they're so colorful…" Cavendish smiled at the night sky, watching as one exploded quickly, the sound following a second later, creating such an intricate design in the sky. He'll have to look up how they make such designs later. "Can you even see them through your sunglasses? It's dark.."

Dakota laughed, turning to catch Cavendish's eye. He gave a half smile back, shifting to find a better position against the tree that they chose to use as a chair. After years of being partners, and begrudgingly getting close, Dakota was kind enough to remember his hesitation towards dirt and grime, and brought a blanket to place against the ground and tree. It was more of a picnic, really. A somewhat cold one, with pretty colors painting the sky.

"Of course I can! They're moon-glasses too!"

"...Pardon?"

Dakota shifted closer, stopping once Cavendish shifted uncomfortably. "Moon-glasses! Y'know, the opposite of sunglasses!"

"Dakota, I don't think that's how it works."

"Oh, sure it is, Agent Cavendish."

Cavendish groaned, letting his head drop against the strong tree. "You're really never going to let me live that one down?"

His partner's grin was all he needed.

"My word ma- Woah. Dakota, look!"

They turned their attention towards the sky, where the fireworks team was creating an intricate design, with many bright colors in some kind of flower design.

"That's insane- how can they do that?"

"I don't know- here, come here, Dakota. Let's take a picture!"

Dakota chuckled, but shifted around so that he could take a selfie with Cavendish, trying to badly tell him how to hold the camera to take in the fireworks behind them.

"Excuse me-! Would you like me to take a picture for you two?"

They glanced up, a young teenager waving shyly. "Yes, please!"

And just as another faint bang went off, the young teen took the photo, the duo badly outlined in the dark by brightly colored fireworks behind them.

"Careful now! Don't go too far!"

"Yeah, we know! Zach, Milo, I'll race you to the next house!"

"You're on!"

"Guys, really?! You're getting candy without me? And leaving me with Cavendish?!"

Cavendish crossed his arms and glared at Dakota, though there wasn't any real bite, not anymore. A small twinkle of amusement was hidden behind his glasses. "And just what is meant by that, Dakota?"

The mentioned male grinned back at his partner, keeping the kids at the corner of his eyes. A ghost from someone's nicely decorated Halloween yard fell from atop a tree, scaring some little kids. "Nothing! You know I'd never say anything like that!"

"Like what, exactly?" Cavendish asked, fixing his Halloween costume. This year, it was a warlock's costume. A long cape, a staff, a book of confusing nonsense runes. The kids loved it. It was Dakota's idea, because according to him, 'A warlock is the perfect partner to a vampire!'

Speaking of, Cavendish watched in amusement as he spat out his fake fangs again, making a face. "Do they not fit right?"

Dakota ran his tongue against his teeth, and Cavendish made a face. "Nah, they feel weird when I talk with them."

"I must admit, I'm impressed that you're speaking so well with them in. Most people seem to struggle."

Dakota grinned, puffing out his chest and pointing at himself. "Yeah, but I'm not just some people! I- oh my god, Milo, are you okay?"

He glanced over at the small group, Cavendish following suit, as a large inflatable Halloween skeleton suddenly burst to flames. The homeowner stared in disbelief, while Milo pulled a small fire extinguisher from his backpack, waving back at them. "Yup, we're alright!"

Dakota sighed, turning back to Cavendish, who was shaking his head with a small smile. "Crazy kids, huh?"

"Indeed. Come on, let's go join them before we're separated from some other form of Murphy's Law."

The small group continued their Halloween groups, mostly travelling from neighborhood to neighborhood via absurd Murphy's Law problems (an oil tuck cause them to oil-skate their way over to McInty's St., a kid lost his boat prop and they sailed all the way over to Logloft Ave., or when a helicopter airlifted them all the way over to 24th to escape those runaway crocs). They finally stumbled their way to Milo's home, laughing at the insane amount of candy that they'd managed to snag, even with the interference.

"Hey, guys! Come here, we forgot to take a picture!"

"Say Spooky Law!"

"Spooky Law!"

Deep breath.

One…two…That's it, he could do it. One more…and out…

"Nervous?"

Dakota turned, swallowing heavily as he caught Savannah's eye. Though they've had their fair share of differences into adulthood and within B.O.T.T, there was no way Savannah would abandon her childhood best friend, even if he was banned to the past. Especially not on a day like today.

"What, me? Nervous? No, hell, no, of course not, why would I be?"

"Dakota, you're rambling." She said simply.

"Ah."

She stepped up to him, fixing his tie. "There's no need to be nervous. Everything will go great. Aren't you happy?"

"Happy? Savannah, I'm fucking ecstatic. Holy shit, I can't believe that I'm doing this. Oh my god."

"Shit, I swear, I can't figure out if you were more nervous proposing or being here on your wedding day."

"I'm not- I wasn't- oh my god."

"Hmm?"

Dakota stared straight ahead, mind coming to a complete halt. A warm blush spread to his cheeks as he gaped at the wooden church door in awe. "I'm getting married to him today."

Savannah snorted, stepping aside. "Hell yeah, you are!"

"Sav. I'm getting married to him today."

"Want me to slap you to make it real?"

Dakota jumped back, focusing his attention on her. "What? No! Dude, do you have any idea how long it took me to get ready?"

She smiled at him, something that was a rarity from her these days. "Yeah. So don't fuck it up."

Don't fuck it up.

"Oh my god, Savannah, what if I fuck it up."

"For-" She groaned, almost running a hand down her face but resisting, not wanting to smear her makeup. Even if future makeup was said to be incapable of being messed up, she didn't believe those damn companies for a moment. "Dakota, that's not what I meant, and you know it. Listen to me." She made sure he was facing her. "You'll do fine. You've been in love with this man for years, gone back in time for him, shut up, you've spent years in love with him and with him in love with you. He proposed literally seconds after you did become you two are stupid idiots in love. So shut up and get officially married, okay?"

And after her stupidly sweet speech, which she made him promise that he won't repeat to anyone, she pushed him away, rolling her eyes at the stupid grin that Dakota now bore. Probably better than the fear and nerves, but still. He looked so stupid, being so happy and in love.

It all passed so quickly, yet so slowly. Him walking down. Seeing Balthazar standing there, a smile just as stupid as his. Saying vows. Being able to look into his eyes that whole time. And the kiss.

Damn.

The hellishly expensive photographer that they'd gotten was worth every single penny, capturing every single sweet and beautiful moment between the newlyweds, their happiness too evident. The editor even considered making the photo look sadder, just to make it look normal.

"Oh my god, they grow up so young!"

"Vincent, they're only leaving for the day."

"It feels like forever!"

"Ahhh, dads, please."

Dakota sighed, smiling as Luca made a face, hiding behind the cereal box. Sky just giggled next to him, shoveling in another mouthful of yogurt.

"Slow down, dear, the yogurt is cold." Cavendish walked over to Dakota, handing him a just made cup of coffee.

"Bal, you're a saint, you really are." He sighed, taking in the smell of the strong coffee and the gentle loving kiss his husband put to his forehead.

"Thought you might need it after the heartache of today."

"It's just the first day of school! Not that exciting…" Luca said, pouting into his cereal. Cavendish and Dakota sat down across from their adopted kids, sharing a small smile. Underneath the table, Time, their dog, woofed softly for scraps.

"Time, no, you're being fed too many scraps! You're getting fat again!" Dakota scolded, glancing at the two kids in front of him with questioning eyes. "And I wonder who it could've possibly been…"

Both kids looked away, Sky even starting to hum. Besides him, Cavendish began to laugh, and Dakota turned his attention to him, loving every moment.

"Cav, are ya sure it wasn't you?"

"Positive." But there was that damn twinkle, the same one that Dakota loved to catch every time, that told him that Cavendish might be bluffing a little. "You're all little devils."

"Oh, hush love. Don't pretend you don't give Time scraps as well!"

"Oh, wow, look at the time! No, not you, Time, why did we think it'd be funny to name you that…C'mon kids, you'll be late for the first day of school!"

"Aww, do we have to?"

"Oh, don't be like that, you'll get to see your friends! Plus, it's the first day- you'll do fun activities!"

Luca brightened up, as Sky hopped off her chair, wobbly bringing her plates over to the sink. Right as they were about to tip over, Cavendish grabbed them out of her grasp, chuckling.

"Go get ready, Sky, dear, we don't want you to be late either!"

She nodded, grinning widely, and ran off to grab her backpack. Luca narrowly avoided hitting into her as he brought his plates over to the sink as well, being much better coordinated than his little sister.

Once they were all set up and ready, they did what they did every start of the year- a little photo shoot. And while Luca and Sky complained at how 'embarrassing' it was, they gave a big, bright smile for both pictures, of them alone, and with their dads. They laughed as they finally got to leave, pointing out the funny faces they all pulled. They talked as Dakota and Cavendish walked their kids to the edge of the bus stop, waving a friendly hello to the neighbors, and chatting with some of the parents as their kids did too. Once the bus came, they waved excitedly at their kids, Luca helping Sky a little as she struggled, waving at them through the window until the bus began to leave. Cavendish placed his arm around Dakota's shoulder, pulling him into his side as they watched the bus round the corner and leave, off to take on more kids before arriving at the school. He knew Dakota had a few trust issues with safety (if he had to save his accident-prone partner from death many hundred times, mainly because of safety, he'd also be scared).

"You alright, love?" He whispered as most of the parents began to disperse.

"...Yeah. C'mon, the coffee is getting cold."

They turned, though Cavendish never let go of Dakota. "They'll be alright, Vinnie."

His partner looked up at him, smiling that sweet smile that he loved oh-so-dearly, and nodded. "I know, Bal. Just can't help it sometimes, you know that. Anyways, will you print out the photo later?"

"Of course, love." Cavendish leaned down, kissing his forehead. "I'll get right on it."

"I love you."

"I love you so much."

"...Dad? Are you alright?"

His hand reached up, wiping away tears he hadn't noticed until now.

"Ah. Yes, of course, sweetheart."

Sky looked at him, worry shining clear in his eyes, but he just waved away her concern. "Really. I'm alright."

"Dad, I know you miss him. I do too." He glanced up at Luca, where the now much, much, much older boy was looking down at the photograph in the photo album. One of many first-day-of-the-school-year photographs. Luca could remember how he and Sky complained, but he was glad they always agreed to the photo.

"I know, Luca. But, it's alright." Another tear rolled down their dad's cheek as he played with his wedding band, wishing that his other half was here with him now.

"Tell me another story, Dad." Sky turned the page in the album book, filled to the brim with precious memories that they never guessed would be so important to record. He chuckled as he saw a particular photo, of him and his husband, sticking out both their tongues as they took on their new job at P.I.G as clean-up crew.

"Of course, sweetheart. Your father and I, god do I love him, we were just banned from B.O.T.T here…"

Pages of memories, of words spoken, and emotions felt, weighted heavy in his lap, almost as heavy as his heart. But, if anything else, he was glad that he had the endless pages of photographs to remember him by.

Yes, the ending was purposefully left vague with names because I wanted to leave it up to you! Anyways, I do hope you enjoyed and if you did, maybe leave a review or piece of constructive criticism to help? I hope you all have an absolutely awe inspiring morning/afternoon/evening/night, and make sure to take lots of photos of those close to you, or a scene or moment that you find beautiful! Photos can't replace the moment, but they're always wonderful to look back on! (Don't forget to enjoy the moment as well though, to have something to remember the photos by!)