Epilogue Part 2

Penguin stared at the stage that was still empty of the main act of the evening. The hall was full of people, some already slightly drunk. There had been a band to play as a support act, but everyone here came either for The Hawkins Pirates or The Massacre Soldier, or both, and it was obvious the hall had become more crammed with people during the support act.

Penguin was patiently waiting for his boyfriend to enter the stage near the front of the crowd, while Haruta had gone to get them both a beer. He was startled by a sudden hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw his father moving someone aside with his other hand, so he could pass.

"There you are," Law said when he managed to squeeze himself between Penguin and the people around him.

"Dad," Penguin answered surprised. "I didn't know you would come too!"

"Of course." Law had a cheeky smirk on his lips. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Penguin smiled. It wasn't the first time Law had gone to one of Killer's concerts, but he didn't go out of his way to see them, usually. Still, Penguin was happy he was here.

Just a few seconds later, Haruta reached them, a beer in each hand.

"Hey, Haruta, you came too?" Law asked, having met his son's new roommate before. "Did Penguin drag you along?"

Haruta laughed shortly. "No, actually…" they looked at Law for a few seconds and then their face turned amused. "…his stepbrother invited me." He handed one beer to Penguin.

Law scoffed almost immediately. "Stepbrother?" He shook his head, seeming disapproving of that term. "Don't think so. Ex-stepbrother at most."

Penguin groaned. "Really, dad? Not that I'm in favor of calling Killer my stepbrother, but… You and Kid still haven't made up?"

"Penguin, don't say it like it's just an argument we're having," Law said. "We've broken up. Period."

Penguin sighed. He would have loved to hear that when he had just found out the two of them were involved with each other. Now, however, he had learned to accept Kid not only as his boyfriend's father, but also as his father's boyfriend. And there was no denying that Law was happier when he was with him. "You don't want that," Penguin stated. "And he doesn't want that either, Killer told me." It was a little white lie, as Killer hadn't told him that specifically, but he had thought they would get together again, so that was almost the same, right?

Law looked him in the eyes, and Penguin spotted a sad glint in them. "He said that?"

"Hm-m," Penguin said, quickly taking a sip of his rather large beer, averting his eyes.

Law sighed. "Well, let's not talk about Kid and me anymore. I won't let that spoil the evening." He looked at the drink in his son's hand. "How many of those did you have already?"

Penguin raised an eyebrow at him. "This is just my second."

"Hmm," Law said. He reached out his hand and held it open in an invitation. "I think you should give it to me. You should keep your mind clear."

Penguin's eyebrow reached even higher. "What are you? The fun police?" To demonstrate his father didn't have any say in his alcohol use anymore, Penguin took a big gulp. He was twenty-three, for God's sake. He was allowed to drink as much beer as he wanted.

"No," Law said. "But I think you should keep a bit of a clear mind tonight. I don't want you to make decisions on a hazy mind. And you know you are a lightweight."

Penguin heard Haruta, who had witnessed it up close already, snort. He shook his head, slightly annoyed. "Why would I make any decisions tonight? I'm just here to watch Killer and have fun."

"Just, trust me, okay?" Law insisted, his hand still held out to take over the plastic cup from his son.

Penguin frowned. His father seemed really serious about this for some reason. But then Penguin saw an opportunity. "Only if you talk to Kid tonight."

Law rolled his eyes, but then forced an obviously fake smile on his face. "Fine. Then I really need that beer."

Penguin smirked a little victoriously, and handed him the cup. Then the lights went out, and slowly the people in the hall fell silent. After a minute, the show started. Penguin felt the heat of the flame throwers as they went off when The Hawkins Pirates started to play their first notes, and the crowd went wild. During the first song, Killer was nowhere to be seen, however, but that was to be expected. Killer was just a guest on their tour, after all.

Penguin knew the song all too well. Even though he wasn't the biggest fan of the Hawkins Pirates, he had heard Killer listen to them often enough, and he had even grown to like their music a bit. Besides, their first song was pretty well known, and got the crowd in the right mood instantly.

When the last notes of the song died out, there was a thunderous applause, and Basil Hawkins smiled at the mass of people before him. "Wow, look at this crowd," he spoke thought the microphone before him. "Thank you all so much for being with us here, on this very special night." He let his eyes wander over the people that had gathered near the stage. "It's the last night of our tour, and we're so happy we can play for you all, so close to home. I know a lot of old friends and fans that have been with us from the very beginning are in the crowd tonight, and we're all so grateful you could make it!"

The last of his words almost got lost due to cheering from the crowd, and Penguin could swear he heard Heat's voice among them. He smiled as he realized all of Killer's friends were probably somewhere in the crowd as well.

"Well, we are planning to make this an unforgettable evening," Hawkins continued. "So, are you ready to rock?"

The audience cheered, and the band started playing their next song, which was a bit rougher than the music Penguin liked to listen to, but he still enjoyed himself. He was just waiting in anticipation for Killer to join them on stage. He saw Haruta next to him look slightly uncomfortable, though, so Penguin wrapped an arm around them. "It's gonna get better when Killer starts playing, I promise," he shouted into his roommate's ear, hoping they would hear it over the music.

Haruta chuckled, and nodded reassuringly at him, and then gulped down some of their beer.

Halfway through the second song, the band fell silent bit by bit, except for the drums, who kept drumming in the same, up-tempo rhythm for about half a minute, to build up some tension. Then, as if from nowhere, the sound of a guitar was heard; first a few notes, playing along with the drums, and then it became a faster and more complicated melody. As the guitar solo build up, a light at the back of the stage lit up, showing the silhouette of a guitarist with long, wild hair.

The smile on Penguin's face almost split it in two, and a loud cheering was heard from the crowd as Killer slowly walked forwards, into the spotlight. The guitar solo lasted about a minute, and then the rest of the band joined in again, and Killer played with them until the end of the song. Without pausing, the band continued to play the next, and Killer's guitar added an extra layer to the song, while, for someone who didn't know the song, it would probably sound as if it was never meant any differently.

When that song finished too, the band fell silent once more, and the singer addressed the crowd again. "Ladies and gentlemen, and all you lovely nonbinary people as well," – Penguin saw Haruta smile surprised from the corner of his eyes – "Give it up for The Massacre Soldier!" he announced Killer by his stage name.

The crowd cheered loudly, and Penguin tried his best to be the loudest of them all, almost hurting his throat with his yelling. He saw both his father and Haruta cover their ears, but he only smirked at that. He was Killer's biggest fan, after all; he was allowed to cheer him on from the top of his lungs.

Killer seemed to have heard him, or at least he turned his head in Penguin's general direction and smiled, before he started showing off on his guitar again. After giving him a few seconds to shine, the band joined in again, and they started playing another song.

A few more songs in, and Penguin noticed that they had played only Hawkins Pirates original songs, even though the ones where Killer didn't play on the record, had been adjusted so that Killer played a significant part in them. In some he had a solo, in some he just had his own riffs, and in one there was a kind of battle going on between Killer and the guitarist of The Hawkins Pirates. But all in all, they hadn't played any pop-covers yet, like Killer had said they would. Still, when Penguin glanced at Haruta, they seemed to get into the music a little more, and enjoy the show the band and Killer put up. They had quite a nice lightshow, and flamethrowers, as well as smoke machines to support them.

It was after an hour of playing, that the band paused for a moment, as the guitarist and bassist both seemed to want to change guitars, and drink a bit of water – or beer. Someone passed a bottle of water to Killer as well, and while he drank, Basil Hawkins spoke to the crowd. "We're gonna take a few minutes to regain some breath, and drink a little – this throat doesn't work so well when it's dry," he attempted a joke. "In the meantime, our special guest, The Massacre Soldier, has something to say." He winked at Killer, and the latter saw that as his cue to put the bottle away again, and walk up to the mic stand, which was left free by Hawkins.

The crowd was quiet in anticipation, and Penguin too wondered what Killer was going to say, as he usually didn't speak much during concerts.

"I love you, Killer!" someone from the crowd suddenly yelled.

Penguin snorted. "Yeah, me too," he mumbled.

However, he did feel a pang of jealousy when Killer chuckled, and blew a kiss in the general direction of where the declaration had come from. He never blew Penguin a kiss when he was on stage…

Killer cleared his throat. "While I'm very flattered by that," he said into the microphone, "I'm already taken."

There was a chuckle going through the crowd, and Penguin could feel the eyes of both Haruta and Law on him. He couldn't help but smirk. That was his boyfriend, up there. He was so incredibly proud of Killer, and how far he'd come.

Killer took the mic from its stand, and walked towards the front of the stage, moving his guitar so it hung on his back. "And, unfortunately for you, my significant other is an amazing guy." He looked straight at Penguin, while he slowly made his way towards the side of the stage. Penguin felt the heat rise in his cheeks as Killer continued speaking. "He's sweet, he's smart, and talented, he's incredibly cute… though he can be a little jealous at times, so watch out what you say in his presence," Killer joked.

Penguin looked with wide eyes at him as he reached the little stairs on the side of the stage that led down to the floor, into the area that was kept empty by a fence to create a bit of space between the crowd and the stage. What the hell was going on? Why was Killer talking about him, towards thousands of people?

"And he's right here," Killer continued, pointing at him. "Can we get a spotlight on him, please?"

What?! No. If there was one thing Penguin hated, it was being in the spotlight. Figuratively, let alone literally. His cheeks heated up some more, and he pulled his cap down a little, as he felt all eyes of the surrounding people on him already.

"It's the one with the cute hat," Killer said, and when Penguin looked at him again, he saw Killer coming down the stairs and walking towards him. A second later, Penguin was covered in light, bringing a smile to Killer's face. "Yes, that's him. Hi, babe," he said, as he walked the last few meters towards the place at the fence closest to Penguin.

The few people who had been standing in front of Penguin, had moved aside, so he could look straight into Killer's eyes. "Hey," he answered, barely audible – not in the least because everyone's ears were still ringing from the loud music. Penguin didn't know what else to say, and he was really wondering why his boyfriend was doing this to him.

Killer reached out his hand to him over the fence. Penguin could do nothing but cross the distance and take his hand, if only because everyone was watching him at that moment.

Killer moved the microphone away from his mouth, and kissed Penguin's hand. "Come with me for a moment?" he asked him, his voice sounding slightly different now that it wasn't coming to him through speakers, but directly from his mouth.

Even though his normal voice soothed Penguin's nerves a bit, he still shook his head. "No way, I'm not going up there."

"Please?" Killer tried again. He didn't seem to want to leave before he could take Penguin with him back up to the stage.

"No, what are you doing?"

Killer looked past Penguin for a moment, and seemed to give a short nod to someone. Then he brought the mic back to his mouth again. "He's a little shy, but that's okay. I might need some help here." He gave the mic to the bouncer that stood watch next to him, and reached out with both hands to grab Penguin's shoulders.

Before Penguin knew what was happening, he felt arms wrap around his legs form behind, and lift him up, to raise him over the fence, and drop him there, stumbling right into Killer's arms. When he turned around to see who had thrown him over the fence so unceremoniously, he stared right in the grinning face of his father. The traitor.

"Just go with him," Law said in a reassuring tone. Wait, did he know why Killer was doing this? Had he known Killer was going to do this?

Killer got the microphone back, and wrapped his free arm around Penguin's shoulder. "Thanks, Law."

"No problem," Penguin heard his father say, before Killer led him to the stairs.

"So, as I was saying…" Killer continued to talk to the crowd. Since the stairs was too small for them to walk side by side, Killer let go of Penguin's shoulder and grabbed his hand instead, pulling him up towards the stage. "This is my wonderful boyfriend of eight years, Penguin."

A few cheers and whoops were heard from the crowd – wait, was that Shachi he heard?! He was pretty sure of it. But what was Shachi doing here? He hadn't even told Penguin he was coming!

Penguin stared at the space in front of him, as Killer led him a little further up the stage, where he finally let go of his hand. A few thousand people were staring back at him. Or at least, that's what he imagined, because he couldn't clearly see more than a few rows of people. When looking to the back of the stage, The Hawkins Pirates seemed to just be chilling, watching what Killer was doing with interest, but not surprise. So, they were in on it too?

"This guy means so much to me," Killer continued telling the thousands of strangers. "Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today. Quite literally. I wouldn't be standing on this stage right now, since he started that TikTok account all those years ago, and, well, I guess most of you know how that turned out. I actually didn't even want to put my video's online, but Penguin wanted to do it for me. And I don't know about you guys, but I can't say no to that face." A soft, dutiful chuckle was coming from the crowd.

"But as a person as well, how I see myself and how I let the world see me. Remember when we were teenagers, Peng?" He chuckled at the memory and then turned towards the crowd again. "When I was sixteen, I was convinced I would pretend to be straight all my live, or at least until no one would look differently at gay people anymore. But guess what? There will always be assholes. But we won't let them tell us what to do or who to love."

Killer smiled at Penguin for a second, as to make sure he was still there, listening. But where was Penguin supposed to go? He could hardly walk away; he wouldn't do that to Killer. He just tried to focus on what Killer was saying, not on the fact that all those people were watching them. He had to admit Killer had come far from being that boy who was hidden so deep in the closet to the man standing here telling thousands of people he was gay – not that it had been a secret anymore for years; most people here were probably already aware of the fact.

Hawkins and the band were moving towards their instruments again, but Killer continued addressing the crowd. "Anyway, by the time I turned seventeen, there was not a single being who thought I was straight anymore. Because during that year, I had fallen madly in love with this boy. And as a good friend of mine once said: It's probably never the right time to come out, but there might be the right person to do it for."

He quickly scanned the crowd, and found what he was looking for somewhere in the middle of the first few rows of people. He pointed down to the two pink haired girls standing there. "She's here today with her girlfriend, watching their boyfriend and his band, so I guess it worked out for her as well." He smiled at Bonney, while Hawkins came standing next to him, blowing two kisses towards his girls.

"Because, Bonney, you were right." Killer took a few steps to reach Penguin again, and he lifted his cap up a little, so he had a better view of his face, making him blush again. "And Penguin, you were the right person. You are still the right person, and will forever continue to be the right person for me." Killer smiled at him. "This one's for you." He handed the microphone back to Hawkins, and moved his guitar in front of him again.

The drum started playing, and the rest of the band soon joined in, leaving Penguin standing awkwardly on the side of the stage. When Hawkins started singing, however, Penguin immediately recognized the song.

"Threw some chords together,
The combination D-E-F,
It's who I am, it's what I do,
And I was gonna lay it down for you."

It was a cover from Natasha Bedingfield's 'These Words', a song Killer had played to all those years ago when they just started dating. Penguin smiled as Killer more or less played the same as he did back then, although it sounded better with this cover of The Hawkins Pirates, than with the original. Penguin had watched that video of Killer many times, as it was the first time he had told Penguin he loved him.

He started to relax a bit more, enjoying the music, and accepting that Killer wanted to put up a show for him, apparently feeling the need to show the whole world how much he loved him. He was okay with that – even if it made him feel a little awkward.

As Hawkins sung the last few lines of the song, Killer made sure to make eye contact with Penguin, and he smiled at him.

"That's all I got to say,
I love you, is that okay?"

The words had barely died out, but the music already changed to flow into another song. Penguin did recognize the song, but he was sure Killer never played this on his TikTok account. It was a song by Bruno Mars, even though this Hawkins Pirates version sounded quite different.

As the intro was played, Killer walked towards Penguin again, placed a hand on the visor of his cap, and looked at him with questioning eyes, as if to ask permission to take it off in front of all these people. While Penguin didn't really like that idea, he was curious as to what Killer was planning, so he smiled affirmative at him, his heart racing in his chest. Killer moved the cap from his head and placed it on an amplifier just when Hawkins began to sing.

"His eyes, his eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining,
His hair, his hair, falls perfectly without him trying,
He's so beautiful, and I tell him every day."

It didn't escape Penguin that the lyrics had been changed to fit the right gender, and it seemed like Hawkins was singing from Killer's point of view.

"I know, I know, when I compliment him, he won't believe me,
And it's so, it's so sad to think that he don't see what I see,
But every time he asks me 'Do I look okay?' I say…"

Killer stood in front of him, playing for Penguin, and Penguin alone, as if the whole crowd had just vanished.

"When I see your face,
There's not a thing that I would change,
'Cause you're amazing,
Just the way you are."

Penguin couldn't help but smile. God, why was Killer making such a show of his love? He was such a dork. He loved him so much.

"And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for a while,
'Cause boy you're amazing,
Just the way you are."

They left a little room in the song for Killer to show off his skills in a solo, which again, he seemed to perform just for Penguin, before Hawkins continued singing.

"You know, you know, you know I'd never ask you to change,
If perfect's what you're searching for then just stay the same,
So don't even bother asking if you look okay, you know I'll say,"

The chorus came around again, and Penguin had almost forgotten about the people around them, only having eyes for his hot, guitar playing boyfriend.

"'Cause boy you're amazing,
Just the way you are."

The key changed and the song transitioned into another one. It sounded vaguely familiar… wait, wasn't this a song by Bruno Mars as well? Penguin wasn't sure about it, until Hawkins started singing again.

"It's a beautiful night,
We're looking for something dumb to do…"

The next lines weren't sung, but the melody was played by Killer instead. However, Penguin's eyes widened, as he was pretty sure what song it was now, and what those lines were. This wasn't real, right? This wasn't really happening.

"Well I know this little chapel on the boulevard we can go,
No one will know,
Oh, come on, boy.
Who cares if we're trashed got a pocket full of cash we can blow,
Shots of patron,
And it's on, boy."

Killer made eye contact, a slightly nervous smile on his face, as he kept playing.

"Don't say no, no, no, no-no,
Just say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah,
And we'll go, go, go, go-go,
If you're ready, like I'm ready,"

Killer kept looking at him, as the chorus was sung, this time completely.

"'Cause it's a beautiful night,
We're looking for something dumb to do,
Hey baby,
I think I wanna marry you.

Is it the look in your eyes,
Or is it this dancing juice,
Who cares, baby,
I think I wanna marry you."

Penguin's heart was beating out of his chest. THIS WAS NOT REALLY HAPPENING! He was dreaming, right? This had to be a dream. Holy shit, was Killer proposing to him?!

"Just say I dooooo,
Tell me right now baby,
Tell me right now baby, baby,"

Penguin could only stare at Killer, and Killer kept holding his gaze, his smile growing bigger by the minute.

"It's a beautiful night,
We're looking for something dumb to do,
Hey baby,
He thinks he wants to marry you."

Killer got down on one knee before Penguin, while remaining playing for two more lines.

"Is it the look in your eyes,
Or is it this dancing juice,
Who cares, Penguin,
Killer thinks he wants to marry you."

The song died out, but there was no applause, no cheering, just complete silence, as if the whole crowd was holding its breath. Penguin had brought both his hands up to his face in shock, unable to say anything. He stared at Killer, who was still sitting on one knee before him, holding up a ring between his fingers – where he'd gotten that from, Penguin hadn't seen.

"My sweet, sexy, adorable Little Penguin, will you become my husband?" Killer asked him softly, his words not amplified by a microphone, and meant for his ears only.

Penguin's heart was beating so loudly that he barely heard Killer. Not aware anymore that thousands of eyes were looking at him in anticipation, but seeing only Killer, Penguin swallowed hard. Then he started nodding, barely visible. Such short nods, that it almost seemed like he was trembling. "Yes," he said, barely louder than a whisper. He let his hands fall down at his sides. "Yes."

A broad smile split Killer's face. "You just made me the happiest man alive," he said quietly. He got up, grabbed Penguin's hand, and shove the ring around his finger. Then he turned towards the crowd. "He said yes!" Killer yelled, holding Penguin's ringed hand up in the air.

The crowd cheered and applauded loudly, and Killer pulled Penguin closer to kiss him. Penguin melted into the kiss with a smile. What Killer said couldn't possibly be true. Because he was the happiest man alive.

TBC~!

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