The sun was just about to rise over the horizon, its growing warm colors in the night sky revealing its presence. Purples bled into the sky, with oranges, and even crimson.
The silence from the night lingered outside, but inside was an even more peaceful scene. Inside of a certain futuristic home resided Smart Beavis and Smart Butthead, asleep. It was like any other night, the two cuddled up nicely in their thick sheets and blankets. Soft, steady breathing came from both of them as they laid comfortably together.
That was until a loud thud awoke Smart Beavis. His eyes shot open, and he sat up to look around the room. He heard a groan of pain come from the floor, so he looked over the edge to see that Smart Butthead had fallen out of bed. He was clutching his stomach.
Smart Beavis threw the sheets off of himself and walked over to the other side of the bed. He knelt beside Smart Butthead, laying his hands on his arm and squeezing it lovingly. "Are you alright, Smart Butthead??"
Smart Butthead groaned again as his initial response, but he soon spat out a real verbal response. "You kicked me…"
Smart Beavis stared down at him, a very faint amused smile forming on his face after processing the situation. He quickly tried to suppress it since he could see that Smart Butthead was still in some pain. "Oh dear… apologies, stardust." He tried to be more sympathetic with the nickname.
Smart Beavis slid an arm under Smart Butthead's body and slowly got him to a sitting position. He held him close in hopes of providing some comfort.
Smart Butthead laid his shoulder on Smart Beavis' chest, able to hide the wide smirk on his face now that it was out of sight. He wrapped an arm around Smart Beavis' back, but still kept one hand on his stomach to appear as if he were still in pain.
Smart Beavis swayed him side to side slightly, just out of habit. But not before giving him a soft kiss on the cheek.
Smart Butthead soon felt himself being lifted back into bed by his boyfriend. He loved being taken care of like this.
Smart Beavis made himself comfortable by resting against the headboard of the bed. He made sure to pull Smart Butthead even closer to his body now that they were back in the warm softness of their bed.
Smart Butthead let Smart Beavis hold him, his still half-asleep mind being perfectly content with their positions. There was comfortable silence between them for the time being.
Smart Butthead eventually noticed how Smart Beavis' grip on him was loosening. "Are you still awake, Smart Beavis?" he asked quietly.
No response.
Smart Butthead waited through another beat of silence before he decided that Smart Beavis had probably fallen asleep again, like he usually did.
Smart Butthead sighed softly. He took one of Smart Beavis' hands in his own, his thumb caressing over its shape.
He started to hum faintly to himself, the sound breaking up occasionally as he tried to keep it quiet. Even though Smart Beavis couldn't hear it, he liked to hum to Smart Beavis. It was a comfort to himself more than anything.
However, the soothing noise Smart Butthead was making did not go unnoticed. Smart Beavis had woken himself up shortly after he had nodded off for a moment. Now he had the privilege to hear this, and it brought so much peace to his soul. As he listened, he swore he could recognize the tune. That same song that always seemed to be going through Smart Beavis' head whenever he heard him humming. He couldn't miss this moment for the world.
Smart Beavis remained in a fake sleeping position, also finding comfort in the way Smart Butthead held his hand. Soon, he felt his body shifting. Smart Butthead's arm was no longer wrapped around his back. He heard the sheets rustle and the bed's weight shift. Then, his body dipped but was caught by Smart Butthead's arm. His head bumped against his chest, the tune of the song becoming clearer.
It was quite hard to remain still and fake being asleep, but Smart Beavis needed this rare moment to last for as long as it could.
But before he could decipher the tune, the humming ended. He felt his forehead being kissed.
Smart Beavis decided this was the right time to open his eyes.
Smart Butthead quickly flinched and covered his mouth, fearing that his humming was heard.
"…How long have you regained consciousness for?"
Smart Beavis just smiled before speaking.
"Do not worry, I adore every noise that comes from your mouth."
"There are some things you do not need to hear."
"So? I still adore your voice."
Smart Butthead was silenced by his embarrassment, as well as by Smart Beavis' endearing words.
Eventually, Smart Butthead spoke up again. "I would like to move on from this subject."
"Fine, but never be ashamed, it is not like I am going to hate you for it." Smart Beavis said softly. He toyed with one of Smart Butthead's sleeve straps lazily as he changed the topic. "What would you like to do today?"
Smart Butthead took a quick moment to recover from his embarrassment before he answered. "Anything you would like to."
"You say that every time."
"I want to make sure you are happy with each day we spend together."
"That does not create any limitations to what activities we can do today. Everything I do with you, I am happy doing."
Smart Butthead was quiet in thought.
"Perhaps we could eat at the space nacho stand?" He suggested.
That caused Smart Beavis to smile. Sure, they do that almost everyday, but it was a nice ritual in their mornings.
"That sounds very satisfactory." Smart Beavis agreed.
Smart Butthead smiled a bit as well as he nodded slightly.
Neither of them moved from their position though.
Smart Beavis tugged a little harder on Smart Butthead's clothes, not really paying attention to what he was doing.
Smart Butthead noticed, and he grew a smirk.
"Or perhaps my initial judgment was wrong, I am guessing you would like to partake in another activity right here in our bed?"
Smart Beavis rolled his eyes, his own smirk forming on his face. He gently shoved Smart Butthead's shoulder. "Very humorous of you to say that, I would be more than happy to do that later with you."
Smart Butthead patted his back in return and carefully lifted his body up into a straighter sitting position. He slid out from underneath Smart Beavis' legs and stood up, stretching his arms up.
Smart Beavis sighed heavily and got up at the opposite end of the bed.
They both engaged in their regular morning routine shortly after getting out of bed.
It didn't take long before they were both dressed and heading out of the house.
As always, the sun shone brightly down on them, warming the outside air nicely.
Since there was no one around, Smart Butthead took Smart Beavis' hand in his, and they started down the path together.
The walk was peaceful and comfortable. Everyone always seemed to crowd into town, no one ever spent time just walking around to enjoy the outside. It certainly worked in the Smarts' favor though.
It was a fair walk, but they ended up at the nacho stand in a reasonable amount of time.
Fortunately they were right on time for its opening.
Smart Butthead dropped Smart Beavis' hand as they approached.
The owner of the stand noticed them coming and straightened up.
"Greetings. I see you have come for the 27th day in a row." She commented, in a way that was hard to tell if it was a joke or a form of annoyance.
Smart Butthead just awkwardly nodded once. "We shall…have our usual."
The owner simply turned around and prepared both of their orders.
It was a quick process thanks to all the pre-made materials. When she was done, she slid both of their containers to them and looked at them expectantly.
Smart Butthead took out his credit card from a crease in his robe. He slid it across the card reader, and it quickly processed the payment.
Smart Beavis and Smart Butthead took their nachos and quietly thanked the owner. They walked away and back down the sidewalk, continuing their little morning stroll.
They ate together in silence for a moment before Smart Beavis spoke up.
"Smart Butthead. I propose we eat the rest in the forest and spend our day there." He suggested, his tone clearly hopeful for agreement.
Smart Butthead hummed and nodded, finishing his bite before answering back. "That is a marvelous idea." He looked at Smart Beavis and smiled.
Smart Beavis beamed back. They were close to the forest entrance anyway, so the idea was coming together perfectly.
Only a few minutes later, the sidewalk ended, hinting that the tall trees of the forest were nearby. Just up ahead, their tall trunks and leafy tops were coming into view.
They took a quick glance at each other before entering the landscape.
It was just as refreshing and calming as it always was. The patches of sunlight on the forest floor were always so pretty, and the quiet sound of the rustling branches when a breeze came by pulled them into a state of serenity.
Smart Butthead took a long breath and glanced around. He turned to Smart Beavis.
"There is something about this forest that makes me love you even more." He said quietly, his tone full of obvious affection.
Smart Beavis smiled warmly back at him. He subtly stepped closer to Smart Butthead, and their arms brushed against each other.
"I believe I know what you speak of." He responded just as quietly. His gaze turned to Smart Butthead's lips.
Smart Butthead noticed and looked down at Smart Beavis' lips, he leaned into him.
Their lips nearly met until a shrill voice was heard from behind them.
"I cannot believe what I am seeing!"
The sudden voice made Smart Beavis and Smart Butthead jump and let out a noise in surprise. They spun around to try and find the source.
"Greetings! Salutations! It has been so long, my friends!!!"
Their eyes soon both set on a figure coming out from behind a tree.
The voice gave away that he was male. He walked a bit slower than most.
He was short and stubby, his robes being a royal pink, and he was covered in necklaces and bracelets of all sorts. His belt was a lighter shade of gold, and it had a symbol that resembled a hand in the center.
Worst of all, he had a stupid, dopey, grin plastered on his punchable face as he walked closer.
He eventually came a little too close for comfort to the Smarts, where he stood in front of them.
"It has been many years since we last had an encounter with each other. I am elated to see you both!" He spoke, his loud voice making a twinge of forced happiness evident.
Smart Beavis and Smart Butthead stared at him as neutrally as possible, but it was hard to mask their discomfort.
Smart Butthead's eyes darted around the ground, trying to think of something to say in response.
"It is…a surprise to meet you here." He simply stated.
The male shrugged, seemingly not able to wipe that smile off his face. "Coincidences happen, my friend."
Smart Butthead scrunched up his face just slightly from the nickname. Smart Stuart was certainly no friend of theirs.
Smart Beavis wasn't liking this interaction at all. He saw that Smart Butthead was just as uncomfortable as he was.
That bastard must have followed them to the forest.
"What has brought you both out of the city limits?" Smart Stuart asked.
Smart Beavis glanced at Smart Butthead, who looked back at him.
Smart Beavis reluctantly made eye contact with Smart Stuart. "To have our meal. Just the two of us." He said, trying to imply that he wanted Smart Stuart to leave.
Smart Stuart either didn't take the hint or just chose to ignore it. "Perhaps I can join you. We must catch up."
Smart Beavis tried to look at Smart Butthead again for help. Smart Butthead tried taking a step back, Smart Beavis following.
However, Smart Stuart only followed them, and they were soon slowly walking all together through the forest.
Smart Beavis and Smart Butthead didn't have the appetite to eat anymore.
Smart Stuart was only a step behind them as they walked, and it wasn't silent for very long.
"This forest is such a strange place, is it not?" Smart Stuart spoke up. "Why have any real wildlife when everything else is artificial, and stronger, and better? Much less keep worthless structures like trees."
Smart Beavis dared not look back at Smart Stuart. He hated this insulting, and he was doing it for no reason too. So badly he wanted to chime in, but he kept his mouth shut.
Smart Stuart continued to go on. "There is nothing that lives here. The trees just sit here and rot. They serve no purpose."
Smart Butthead was also beyond annoyed.
"Is this not useful for historical purposes though?" Smart Butthead countered, hopeful to try and get Smart Stuart to shut up.
"Nonsense." Smart Stuart quickly responded. "We have many recreational buildings in every city that provide substantial and abundant information about our wonderful planet."
It was worse than they thought. His royalty status basically meant he's always on the side of supporting everything about Earth 327-Z.
"Do you not think this place serves a simple purpose only? Such as being a place of beauty to travelers?" Smart Beavis jumped in, unable to hide his thoughts anymore.
Smart Stuart shook his head, his smile widening even more that it looked like it hurt. "If that were the case, we would have put much more effort into caring for this area to preserve it. I believe it will just die out eventually. It is not happening fast enough though, if you ask me."
"Perhaps you should preserve it." Smart Beavis said, slightly defensively.
Smart Stuart shook his head and shoved Smart Beavis in the back gently. "You are still just as humorous as when we were children."
The push made Smart Beavis stumble forward a bit, but he didn't lose his balance. It made his heart rate pick up and eyes go wide, but nonetheless he kept walking, still staring straight at the ground.
Smart Butthead was not oblivious to the action, and his face subtly darkened. A surge of a sense of protectiveness came over him as he watched Smart Beavis recover from almost falling.
"I will prove my point. Watch me." Smart Stuart continued, walking over to a nearby tree.
Smart Butthead's eyes followed his every move. His body tensed and his fist clenched hard. He sure did want to put that idiot in his place right now.
Smart Stuart continued to blab on, his back turned to them as he stood near the tree he walked up to.
Smart Beavis noticed his change in demeanor and put a hand on his arm, slightly shaking his head.
At the touch, Smart Butthead's gaze tore away from Smart Stuart. He was almost in disbelief that Smart Beavis didn't want him to go beat up the guy that almost hurt him.
"Smart Beavis, allow me to silence him." Smart Butthead whispered through gritted teeth.
Smart Beavis shook his head again. "You cannot. You will get yourself into trouble and possibly be killed." He whispered back, his tone firm to emphasize that such a dangerous encounter will not happen on his watch.
Smart Butthead stared into Smart Beavis' eyes for a moment, then looked back up at Smart Stuart. He knew Smart Beavis was right, but he honestly would risk getting killed for his lover if it meant it wouldn't happen again.
Eventually, Smart Butthead sighed heavily and relaxed his body. He said nothing else though, since Smart Stuart was coming back over.
"And that is why a tree's bark is not pleasurable to look at." He finished as he was a few feet from them.
Smart Beavis and Smart Butthead looked him over in a demeaning way, but Smart Stuart still did not seem to pick up on it.
Smart Beavis figured Smart Butthead would say something out of line right about now, so he spoke up before he could.
"That was actually quite interesting…could you perhaps inform us as to why the…leaves serve no purpose either?" Smart Beavis inquired, doing his best with his tone of voice to be as convincing as possible.
Smart Stuart seemed very pleased at that. "Certainly!" He said, that annoying spike of joy in his voice returning. He walked over to another tree, opposite of the direction where he went last.
When he was far enough away, Smart Beavis took Smart Butthead's hand and guided him to a tree in the other direction of where Smart Stuart was.
Smart Butthead made no objections or questions. He was led to a tree nearby the tree Smart Stuart was at before. It was a tree with a hole carved into it, one of the few they had made in their childhood.
They ducked into it together and huddled to one side so they could be as out of sight as possible.
Smart Butthead sighed heavily. "If he tries to hurt you one more time, I will defend you."
Smart Beavis rolled his eyes a bit. He knew he had to get Smart Butthead to simmer down. He took both of their nacho containers and set them on the ground behind them.
"I could defend myself." Smart Beavis said.
"It is better if I do."
Then without warning, Smart Beavis put his hands on Smart Butthead's shoulders and leaned up to kiss him softly.
Smart Butthead's eyes widened for a split second before he caved in and kissed him back, his eyes fluttering shut.
It lasted for several seconds before they pulled away, but they kept their faces close together.
Smart Beavis opened his eyes a little and looked into Smart Butthead's. "Better?"
Smart Butthead was still reeling from that perfect kiss, but he managed to nod just a bit.
Smart Beavis smiled at that. He pulled his face away just a couple of inches before he spoke again. His voice was hushed. "How do we leave without him having knowledge of it?"
"Perhaps we will start walking out of the forest. We are not very far in it anyway. We will…tell him we are busy." Smart Butthead suggested. It pained him to do something so non-violent, but he knew it was for the best to try and be polite about it.
Smart Beavis thought it over for a second, then nodded. "I suppose that is our best course of action."
It was quiet for a brief moment before Smart Butthead whispered, "May I have another kiss?"
Smart Beavis smiled again, even wider this time. "You are a fool."
Smart Butthead smiled as well. "I am your fool."
With that, they closed the gap between them again and shared another kiss, this one a bit more intense than the last. They held this one for quite a while too.
When they parted, they both had the feeling of never wanting to leave.
Unfortunately, their moment was interrupted by Smart Stuart's shouting.
"Where have you both gone?"
Now it was Smart Beavis' turn to sigh loudly. They had no choice but to pick up their food and emerge from the tree.
Smart Stuart's back was to them again, thankfully. They approached him again, but kept a larger amount of distance between them this time.
"We are here." Smart Butthead said. Smart Stuart turned around.
"We were inspecting as you were explaining." Smart Beavis lied.
Again, Smart Stuart did not appear to see that they were lying. "Ah! I see."
Smart Butthead started to walk back where they came from, and Smart Beavis followed. They walked faster than before, and Smart Stuart was a bit more behind than before because of that.
There was unusual silence between them for a while. They almost made it back to the entrance of the forest before Smart Stuart had to say something again.
"Do you both recall all of the wonderful times we had as children?"
The question almost made Smart Beavis gag.
Smart Butthead was also uncomfortable, but he answered anyway. "I recall…some encounters we had." He made sure not to really answer Smart Stuart's question completely.
"Well…" Smart Stuart started, pausing to take a few quick steps in front of them. It stopped their walk. "Since I have known you both for so long and are very well acquainted with the Supreme Leaders, I have a proposal."
They both at first weren't really paying attention, instead keeping their eyes on the clearing of the forest so close up ahead. But at those last few words, they looked back at Smart Stuart.
"Our gracious leaders are hosting a celebratory dinner for the construction of a new city. All of the leaders will attend. I would like to invite both of you, courtesy of my mother's order. I am sure it will be an amazing experience." He explained, looking at them with that expectant smile.
Smart Beavis and Smart Butthead both shared looks of surprise, their silence also coming from that. They both were trying to figure out how to respond.
"I…am sure that the party will be marvelous, but we are simply too busy to attend such an event." Smart Butthead lied slowly, trying to sound convincing.
For the first time today, Smart Stuart did not let that go over his head.
"Did I mention it was my mother's order for your attendance?"
Smart Butthead's mouth hung agape for a moment, desperately wanting to object to that. But he knew he couldn't.
Smart Stuart took their silence as acceptance. "Brilliant! It is tomorrow at 7 p.m. I will send you the directions, wear your best pieces of clothing."
At that, he walked ahead of them and disappeared out of the clearing when he walked far enough.
Smart Beavis and Smart Butthead simply stood in place, dismayed at the event that they now must attend.
At some point they moved and their feet took them home. The walk home was a blur, both of their minds racing with what they were asked to do.
Smart Butthead opened the front door to their house for Smart Beavis, who walked in slowly. When the door was closed and locked, the silence of the house now filled the air between them.
They both found their way to the couch and sat down, their bodies facing each other.
More silence ensued. But eventually, Smart Beavis spoke.
"I do not think this will end well."
The comment caught Smart Butthead off-guard a bit, causing him to look up at Smart Beavis.
Smart Beavis caught his glance. "I am aware that we are not well-liked. I have this…awful feeling."
Smart Butthead felt bad that Smart Beavis was already feeling so terrible about the idea of it.
"Perhaps…we should not make ourselves so known." He started, waiting for Smart Beavis' reaction.
Smart Beavis just held his gaze, ready to hear him out.
"We should not talk to people, or at least talk to as few people as possible. We could reside in rooms that are not crowded, like bathrooms." He listed. He was honestly just hoping to ease Smart Beavis' worries.
Smart Beavis thought about it, picturing what Smart Butthead was saying. He soon hung his head a little and kept his gaze low. "I suppose that is all we can do."
Smart Butthead wasn't very satisfied with that response. He took a slow and quiet breath before reaching over and taking Smart Beavis' hand in his. He stared down at them as he spoke in a soft tone.
"We will be alright. Just stay close to me."
Smart Beavis simply nodded.
Smart Butthead could tell Smart Beavis just wanted to forget that tomorrow was going to happen, but he knew that if they were underprepared, they would only be more stressed out there.
"We should wear our best jewelry." He said. He started to caress Smart Beavis' hand with his thumb.
Smart Beavis took the hint that they were going to have this conversation. He sat up straighter.
"I do not prefer the jewelry we own that looks nicer." Smart Beavis answered, trying to show his defiance on the topic.
"I was going to wear that beautiful necklace you bought for me 7 weeks ago." Smart Butthead said, a small smile forming on his face.
Smart Beavis looked back up at him. The thought of him wearing it there made him a little flustered.
"Although, I suppose you do not need to wear fancy jewelry to look nice, Smart Beavis." Smart Butthead continued, his smile only growing.
Smart Beavis gripped Smart Butthead's hand. "I can say the same for you. You do not even need to wear any jewelry to look beautiful."
"You are simply copying my compliment. Mine means more than yours does." Smart Butthead teased.
"That is not true. I could never be more beautiful than you."
"You are lying. No one compares to you."
Smart Beavis shook his head, but a smile managed to spread on his face.
Smart Butthead smiled just the same, finally able to relax Smart Beavis a little.
They both stared at their hands for another moment before Smart Beavis spoke up.
"I feel quite filthy after being around…him while we were out."
Smart Butthead smiled even wider, amused. "I must agree."
Smart Beavis motioned with his head down the hallway. "Come. We can bathe together."
Smart Butthead stood up with Smart Beavis, and they walked to the bathroom together. It was still somewhat difficult to get Smart Butthead to relax in the water, but a nice cleansing bath still happened. Smart Beavis was pleased that they were able to have more baths more often these days.
When they dried, they made their way into the bedroom.
They both climbed into bed, already seemingly exhausted from the unwanted interaction in the forest.
Smart Beavis lied down first, on his side. Smart Butthead followed shortly after, sliding into bed behind Smart Beavis and spooned him. His arm draped over his waist to keep him close. Smart Beavis placed his hand on top of Smart Butthead's.
Smart Beavis stared at the sheets beneath him. "Smart Butthead?"
"Yes?"
"Promise me something."
Smart Butthead hesitated for a moment before responding. "Alright."
Smart Beavis' tone was quiet, but it still gave away his seriousness. "Promise me that we will be okay tomorrow."
Smart Butthead thought there would be more to it, but the sentence ended at that. A vague promise, one that only made him more nervous to agree to. But there was no way he was going to deny Smart Beavis that.
"I promise."
Smart Beavis sighed quietly. He then brought up Smart Butthead's hand to his lips and kissed his palm.
Smart Butthead savored the feeling on his skin. He wanted more than anything to keep Smart Beavis happy.
"We will be okay." He repeated in a whisper.
Then nothing more was said, and they both drifted off into a light sleep.
