Legal Disclaimer: I do not own Red vs. Blue or any of the show's characters. They are the rightful properties of Rooster Teeth.
Epilogue:
The warehouse was decorated from floor to ceiling for Huggins' seven-year-old birthday party. Technically, they didn't know the exact day she had been genetically created, so Grif and Simmons just used the anniversary of the day she had joined their family. Truth be told, the day didn't really matter so much as everyone in their immediate circle partaking in the celebration.
Doctor Grey and Sarge had made a "pin the scalpel to the Blue's correct and hopefully life-threatening injury" diagram for the event, laughing together at Simmons' insistence that they be at hand to supervise said game.
Sheila and Lopez regaled everyone with recollections of their wedding, adding in the tale of how Sarge and Grey had silently had their own immediately following the bouquet toss.
Tex offered to teach Huggins how to break someone's hand properly, much to Church's chagrin. Kai, happily the "cool aunt," offered to teach the girl how to set it with Volleyball's help. Naturally, Church would be the demonstrator, which he predictably protested vehemently.
Carolina and Four Seven Niner both offered to finally take Huggins for an aerial view of Chorus, while Santa kindly stated he could commemorate the event with holographic photos if they wanted.
Grif told Washington and Tucker that they really didn't need another cat yet as two was more than enough for their small house, but Huggins would be more than happy to help Junior and Palomo with the feedings later.
Palomo and Jensen both shared some of the more kid-friendly comics with the eager child, while Matthews and Bitters cut the cake for everyone. Doyle and Kimball apologized for being late due to meetings, but they helped Cass and Andersmith bring in the food trays all the same.
Cass even brought a new plushie for Huggins, a shark with an "x" on its face. She said it had just shown up at her door with a card for Huggins. Grif and Simmons both looked at one another then before shrugging and smiling after Huggins gushed over the surprise gift.
Donut and Doc assured everyone they were in charge of the clean-up as Caboose and Freckles helped distribute confetti everywhere, much to Huggins' delight. The tall man in blue even helped to distribute lollipops from Bones all around the party.
All in all, the birthday event was a blast and lasted well into the night.
"We should have stayed and helped clean up." Simmons noted to Grif as they walked to their home, Huggins holding both of their hands and skipping along between them happily.
"After Sarge threatened to shoot us with his shotgun and raise Huggins as a proper Red if we tried?" Grif asked incredulously, "No thanks, Simmons."
"But if we'd at least brought back some of the presents with us…!" The redhead tried to argue.
"Carolina said they'd take care of all of that." Grif reminded him, "Relax, Simmons."
The cyborg sighed and shook his head, "You're probably right."
Grif grinned, "About time you noticed."
Despite himself, Simmons' lips curved upwards, "Dumbass."
"Kiss-ass." Grif's response was just as fond.
Huggins giggled cheerfully between them, "You guys are the best!"
"Thanks, kiddo." Grif grinned, "Glad you think so."
"Happy Birthday, Huggins." Simmons smiled down at her as he said that for what was probably the sixteenth time that day.
"Hey, Dads?" Huggins looked oddly thoughtful for a second.
"What is it?" Grif asked, both Grif and Simmons staring at one another in concern over her sudden change in tone.
"I know that today is when we found each other," the girl stitched her pale brows together in thought, "But when did you decide you wanted this exactly? A family, together and all."
Leave it to their daughter to be thinking about that after the robots' tales of wedded bliss. Grif and Simmons both looked towards one another and smiled warmly, squeezing Huggins' hands at the same exact time.
"When we were soldiers." Grif told her with a conspiratorial wink as the three walked on hand-in-hand together.
Author's Notes: I apologize if this epilogue seems rushed or just way too darn fluffy. Once I get going down the path of sugary goodness, it seems I cannot stop it! XD
Well, this is it for The opposite of war is… story-verse. It was a fun ride, and while I'm sad that it is over with now, I'm happy that I managed to finish it. Now I can focus on my other WIPs and look back fondly on this one as I do so!
Truly, thank you for everyone who has stuck by this story and read it to the end. It means the world to me, and I hope that you'll enjoy other reads from me later on! :D Keep being awesome, you! :)