Willow

After I described Dad and Papa to the Collector, I smiled to myself. This is it! After so long, I'm finally going to see them again and Dad is not going to be a puppet because everything is back to normal again.

But then I felt bad for Hunter when he assured The Collector that everything was fine when they asked about his family. He said that he was happy for everyone else, which was sweet, but I can still tell that he wasn't completely happy. And who could blame him after everything that he went through? I decided to go talk to him.

As soon as I headed his way, I saw Gus talking to him. I decided to wait until he was done. When he was, I walked on over.

"Hunter?" I asked. He looked at me.

"Oh, Willow, it's you." He said, then smiled. Gosh, how I loved the way he smiled, showing the gap between his teeth. It was super adorable! "What's up? Aren't you happy that you will reunite with your parents soon?"

"Very." I agreed, then frowned. He frowned too.

"Then, what is it?"

"It's just that what about you? What will happen to you?" He sighed.

"I knew that you would be worried. But like I told Gus, you guys shouldn't worry about me. I'll be fine, sad to see you guys get your happy endings, and not me, but still fine. I'll be happy because you are happy, Captain." But I was still unsure. He then changed the subject. "I know you are still unsure about all of this, so how about I help you find your parents?" I was shocked about this. I smiled.

"Really? That's so nice. Thank you, Hunter!"

"Think nothing of it, I'll be happy to!" I was surely thankful that he would do this. Despite his upbringing, he has really changed and is now a kind person who just wants to help. And I liked that about him…and it helps that he was also kinda cute.

We were at the place where a bunch of adults were and my friends were reuniting with their parents. Hunter was with me just like he said that he would be. I looked around and frowned. Dad and Papa were nowhere in sight. I guess that's what I get for setting my expectations so high, disappointment. I then felt Hunter tap me on the shoulder and he pointed somewhere. I looked at where he was pointing and grew happy. It was Dad and Papa! I ran up to them with my hands in the air and jumped into their arms.

They hugged me back. Papa began to cry happy tears. He then kissed Dad on the lips.

"We are happy that you are in our lives again." Dad said.

"Amen to that!" Papa agreed.

"I had faith that I'll see you guys again." I told them. "Although it was hard at times, I never lost that belief." Dad and Papa both smiled.

"We expect nothing less from you." Dad said. "You are our brave daughter and Papa and I are lucky to have you."

"Me too." I then frowned. My parents were concerned.

"Willow, what's wrong?" I looked at Dad.

"Dad, when I saw you as a puppet, my heart dropped. I hated seeing you that way."

"You're not alone in that." Papa said to me. "My heart broke too when I saw the man of my dreams as a marinette slave to a cosmic child god."

"I tried to be brave and act all positive about it, but in the end. I just lost it. Luckily, both Gus and Hunter were there to get me out of it and Gus told me it's okay to let out my feelings, and to let it all out."

"And Gus was absolutely right in doing that." Papa stated. "You need to let out your feelings no matter what."

"That's right." Dad agreed. "That's only healthy. Bottling it up for a long period of time is no good for anyone. It's better to be honest. Honesty is the best policy after all. Your mental health is so important."

"I know that now."

"And don't you forget it." Papa added.

"I won't." I then thought of something. Poor Hunter needs somewhere to live, but will he live with us? Will my parents agree to it? Will Hunter even want to live with me? I won't know until I ask. And so, I asked both of my parents.

"That's so thoughtful of you, Willow." Dad said. "I'm still not sure about inviting our former emperor's nephew to live with us, but knowing what that poor kid has gone through, maybe. When you said he's changed and good now, we believe our only daughter. Your Papa and I will have to discuss it. "

"Okay, Dad. Okay, Papa. I understand. It's a big commitment and frankly I don't know what Hunter would say."

"Why don't you ask?"

"I will."

I looked at Hunter from a distance later on and took a deep breath. He was standing by a pillar. He seemed to be deep in thought.

Ok, Willow. I told myself. You got this, and if he says no, that's okay too. It's not the end of the world. You and him can still be friends. And with that, I walked towards him.

"What are you doing over here by yourself?" I asked him. He looked at me.

"Just thinking." He answered.

"Thinking of what?"

"Of what Darius said."

"What did Darius say?"

"He invited me to live with him and Eberwolf." I pretended to be happy for him.

"Oh, Hunter, that's so great!"

"I know, right? When I found out about Belos, he comforted me. And since I have no father as my own, I always had thought of him as one."

"That's so sweet." I then frowned. Should I tell him? I then thought of what my parents said and decided to risk it. I told him what I asked my parents and their responses. He was shocked.

"You want me to live with you?"

"Of course! I'd love that! That is, if you want to live with me." He sniffed sadly, trying hard not to cry.

"I have to think about it."

"I know you do. And if you do choose to go and live with Darius and Eberwolf, I'll completely understand. I won't be offended at all. I just want to see you happy. You deserve it." He smiled.

"Thanks. It's nice to know that there will be no hard feelings, but choosing who to live with will be hard. It's the hardest decision I had to make."

"I know, but you can do it. I believe you can." He smiled.

"Thanks."

After a few days of rebuilding the Isles, Principal Bump arranged a party to congratulate my friends and I for saving it. I wore my best dress for the occasion.

"Gosh, Willow!" Hunter had said when he saw me. He was in his wolf shirt again that he had made himself. "You look beautiful in that dress!"

"Why, thank you." I said to him and I performed a little curtsy for him. "You don't look half bad yourself. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to eat with my parents." Hunter nodded.

"You should totally do that. I agree."

"You can come too if you want." He shook his head.

"No, I think I'll sit with Darius or somebody."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. Go and be with your dads." And so I walked to the table where my two dads were.

During the feast, I told Papa and Dad of my adventures with my friends, Halloween, and what happened to Flapjack and they listened to my every word.

"Wow!" Dad said. "This Connecticut in the Human Realm sounds amazing!"

"It was!" I agreed. "I would like to go there again, and now we can since The Collector opened the portal to both realms. Maybe I'll bring you and Papa."

"We would like that very much." Papa stated.

"Agreed." Dad agreed. "If our daughter liked it, we'd like to give it a shot." I smiled. I then told them about me coming out as a pansexual and Hunter and Luz coming out as bisexuals. They both smiled.

"We're so happy for you, Willow." Dad said.

"Agreed." Papa agreed. "And we would always be, no matter what. You are our little girl."

"Thanks again." I once again changed the subject. "Dad, Papa, I think I like Hunter."

"We know you do." Papa said. "And it's so nice that you want to be with him, considering all of the heavy stuff he's been through. Poor kid. You're a good friend, Willow." I smiled.

"Thanks, and I think that I like, like him, if you guys know what I mean." They both seemed shocked at first, but were all smiles again.

"We know what you mean."

"You do?" I asked.

"Of course." Dad stated. He looked at Papa. "It's the exact feeling that I had when I set my eyes on your father for the first time. It was love at first sight."

"I felt the same way." Papa responded.

"Oh." I felt a little foolish. My parents were both so in love, so of course that they would understand.

"I would like to meet him then." Dad said.

"Me too." Papa added. "Especially if he becomes our future son-in-law." I blushed, feeling embarrassed.

"Papa! Please, let's not push it!"

"Sorry."

I then stood up. "Do you want to see him now? Because I can go get him if you guys want."

"No, that's okay." Dad told me. "He's probably busy eating. We don't want to inter…" But I didn't hear the rest, for I was already walking away.

I looked and looked, but didn't see Hunter or Darius anywhere. I frowned. What is something I said? I tried to think of what I said last to Hunter, but didn't know why he would avoid me. I was about to go back to my parents when I saw him. He was eating a sandwich all alone in the corner by a pillar. Why was he eating on the floor and so isolated from the others? It was sad! Feeling bad for him. I walked over to him.

"Why are you eating over here, Hunter?" I asked him. He looked at me and immediately stood up. "Why aren't you sitting at a table eating with friends or Darius?"

"Oh, I, uh…" He stammered, and then frowned. "I didn't know how anyone would feel about that."

"What are you talking about? You ate with us everyday in the Human Realm."

"That was different! You guys were without your parents then. Now that you guys are all back together again, I feel like you guys want to talk to them instead. I don't want to interfere with that."

"You won't. You are our friend, Hunter. Of course we still want you around. What about Darius?"

"He's not my real Dad though. I think of him as one, but let's be honest, he's not my biological one. I have no biological parents, and it's all thanks to Belos. Besides, I bet Darius would prefer to hang out with his buddies, not a sixteen-year old with a tragic backstory that probably needs therapy."

"Cheer up and come with me with your food. My parents would like to meet you." He seemed surprised by this.

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah, really."

"They do know that I was the Golden Guard, right? Nephew to an evil tyrant?"

"Stop worrying. It's ok. They know that you are good now and on our side."

"Well, ok. If you're sure." He grabbed his remaining food and we were about to go, when Darius approached us.

"Hunter," He began. "I noticed you here eating all alone. Why aren't you at a table? You can eat with us."

"I got this." I told him. He looked at Hunter.

"Oh, I get it. You would much prefer eating with your future wife, huh?" Hunter's face got really red at this.

"Willow's not my future wife, Dad…" Began a mad Hunter. "I mean, Darius!"

"Ok. Whatever you say. I'm just glad you're eating with someone. You go, kid!" He then left us alone. I felt a little sad that Hunter told Darius I wasn't his future wife, but he was right. Only Titan knows for sure. But I offered him my hand. He took it after a brief hesitation, and we both walked to where I was eating with my parents.

As Hunter was walking with me, I saw that he was nervous.

"I told you." I told him. "It'll be okay, so there's no need to worry." Hunter looked at me.

"Will they like me?" He asked.

"Of course they'll like you. I like you."

"Well, am I dressed okay? Will they like my wolf shirt? Wait, do they even like wolves, or will they be offended somehow by me wearing it?"

"How will they be offended by you wearing a wolf shirt?" He shrugged.

"I don't know. Maybe they were traumatized and saw both of their grandmas being eaten by wolves when they were children. Do they even know what wolves are? Maybe I should've worn something more fancy like a tux that I maybe should have brought beforehand. Is my hair okay?"

"Yes, will you please stop being a drama king and just relax already?!" He sighed.

"Sorry." But he wasn't done. "But what about…?"

"Hunter, you'll be fine just the way you are." Hunter smiled.

"Again, ok, if you're sure." But when he frowned, I knew that he was still nervous. I wish I could ease his nerves, but I feel like I did the best that I could already, Plus. It was kinda cute the way that he was nervous. He'll just have to be with my parents for a little while, then everything will be okay.

I was nervous too. I told my parents that I liked Hunter, but did he feel the same way? He did tell me that I meant the world to him back in the Detention Pit, but he was talking about our other friends too, not just me, so that didn't count. Then again, he did hold hands with me when we were all on the Titan skull. I chose not to think of it at the moment. Right now it was time for Hunter to meet my parents. I can worry about Hunter liking me later.

"Dad, Papa." I said to them both when I met up with them at the table. They both turned to us. "This is Hunter." I looked at him. "Hunter, these are my parents."

"Yo, Yo, Yo, Mr. And Mr. P!" Hunter greeted them. "What's sup?" I frowned. Oh, Hunter! Good thing you're cute. My parents both smiled as they stood up.

"Gilbert." Dad introduced himself, offering his hand to Hunter. Hunter looked at Dad's hand as if he was contemplating on whether to shake it or not. Come on, Hunter! Finally, he shook hands with Dad. Next he shook Papa's hand. Fortunately, he shook Papa's hand much faster this time.

"Please," Papa said. "Won't you sit and eat with us?" Hunter nodded, and sat down on an empty chair next to me. Papa, Dad and I sat down too.

"So, Hunter." Dad began. "You must have been really through some stuff and brave to escape from the castle the way that you did."

"Yes." Hunter answered. "I lived with my uncle Belos for years. But I had to escape. He wasn't the person that I thought he was."

"Good for you!" Papa said with a smile. "It must have been hard when you found out, but glad that you are safe from him. No one deserves that toxic life. It's nice that you found friends, like our daughter, and know what love really is."

"Yeah, I'm lucky that I found your daughter too…and my other friends, I never felt happier."

"I hope you don't find me rude for asking, but is he the one responsible for all of your scars?" I thought I would choke and spit out my food. I can't believe that he even brought that up.

"Papa!" I chided him. Dad must have felt the same way for he also scolded him.

"Sorry." Papa apologized to us. "It was just a dumb question." He looked at Hunter. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"It's okay." Hunter spoke. "You don't need to apologize. I don't mind. It was just a question." He then frowned. "And to answer it, yes, he's responsible for all of my scars."

"And you got more when he took control of you." I added. He looked at me, confused.

"What?! Do I have more scars? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"You also have brown eyes."

"No one told me that either!" Dad then changed the subject with a frown.

"Willow told us what happened to your palismen. Flapjack." He said. "You have our condolences."

"Thanks." Hunter thanked him. "Flap was one very special palisman alright. It really hurts that he's gone."

"I hear you." Papa stated. "A palismen is more than a palisman. A palisman is a friend and family to you."

"Exactly!" Hunter agreed. "In fact, I want a funeral for him. He deserves that at least. That is, if it's not weird to hold one for a palismen."

"It's not weird at all." Dad said. "In fact, I think that's a marvelous idea." Hunter looked at me.

"You will come to the funeral, won't you, Captain?" I smiled.

"Of course!" I agreed. "We all were friends with Flapjack just like you were. I will be there with you all the way, as well as the others. Oh, and you can just call me Willow."

"Will do, Cap…I mean, Willow."

I walked on stage as soon as Bump called on my name. He waited for me with my medel. I could hear applause from all sides of me as I walked.

Hunter then told me his decision when Bump and the staff were setting up the dance floor. My heart dropped when he said it wasn't with me, but I didn't care. As long as he is loved, that is all I wanted from him anyways.

When witches and demons were headed to the dance floor. I held out my hand to Hunter.

"Do you want to dance with me, Hunter?" I asked him. He looked at me and shook his head.

"Sorry." He told me. "I mean, I want to, but…I don't know how to dance." I smiled.

"Come on! Just copy everyone else on the dance floor. It'll be fun!" It was his turn to smile and he took my hand.

"Well, okay, if you insist." And with that, we both went to the dance floor where Amity, Luz and others were. Once on the dance floor, I began dancing with Hunter, showing him how it was done.

It wasn't long until he learned what to do, and began dancing like a natural! And as for the next few dances, after seeing what the others were doing, he learned and did the exact same thing. A slow song then came on and as Hunter dipped me a little bit into the song, he did something that I never expected from him. He kissed me…on the lips! I was completely shocked at this. I saw his face getting red in embarrassment as he withdrew quickly after he stood me upright again.

"Oh, Titan!" He cried out. "I'm so sorry, Willow. That was beyond inappropriate! I don't know what I was thinking." I smiled.

"It's okay." I told him. "I kinda liked it." He seemed to calm down a bit.

"Oh, well, that's good." We resumed our dance. I felt relieved. He does feel the same way that I feel about him! I mean, there was no way that kiss on the lips could have be an accident, could it? Should I kiss him back now? I just didn't know.

The song then ended and then a more upbeat song came on. Dang it! I missed my chance! Oh well, there's always next time! I saw that Gus was sitting all alone at a nearby table with his dad. I frowned at this. I then had an idea. I told my friends my plan and they agreed. I walked over with him.

"Do you want to dance with us?" I asked him. He looked at me.

"Really?" He wanted to know.

"Sure," Hunter, who was by my side, replied. "No one deserves to be left out of all of the fun." Gus smiled and stood up.

"I thought you'd never ask." He looked at his dad as if asking for confirmation.

"You go, son!" He told him. "After you and your friends saved The Boiling Isles and Bump telling you about your possible early graduation, you deserve it. Now, go and dance with your friends." Gus nodded at him. We followed Gus to the dance floor.

The fun was now done. We all have to get serious now, for the next day, we will resume our rebuilding of the Isles. I don't know what the future holds. But I know with my friends and family beside me, I can tell them my feelings and together, we can get through it, the good and the bad.