Fighting The Tide

Chapter Ten: The Birthday Bash

Our party has started! Let's see how it goes!

I think someone is going to finally make a move…

Enjoy!

Wander emptied a bag of chips into the bowl beside him, and arranged the now full bowl carefully on the snack table.

He paused, hearing raucous laughter from behind him, and turned to see Hater, Cashmere and King Bingleborp all laughing at some joke Hater had made. He smiled, temporarily arresting his snack-restocking to look out over the party.

Mr. Peepers had done a fantastic job setting up, as always. The watchdog commander really knew how to set off the ambiance of a room, although Wander noticed that all the decorations were set out in precise, rigid rows of easily divisible numbers, as though they were soldiers lined up for inspection.

The party was in full swing by this time. Music throbbed gently in the background, the lights had been lowered slightly, with the green flames from Hater's skull torches providing an extra glow, and the green balloons, purple and red streamers and other decorations seemed to glow hauntingly in the same radiance, especially when set against the deep reds and blacks that accented most rooms on the skull-ship.

Hater had seemed a little nervous with his new friends at first, and Wander didn't blame him. Some of the planetary rulers he'd invited had also been a little nervous about coming to visit the skull ship again, but they had all come around in the end, and they all seemed to be having a good time together.

Hater seemed to especially be getting along well with Cashmere and Beeza, and Wander was overjoyed to see the overlord strengthening those friendships. He wanted to do some things tonight to help with that.

It was also nice just to watch Hater enjoying himself. He had a wide smile on his face as he continued with whatever he had been talking about, and he no longer seemed shy around the others.

Wander's chest swelled with happiness as he watched. He hadn't quite known how to top last year's party, what with all the extreme party games they'd been playing, and finally managing to get Hater to smile. Hater did seem to be smiling much more lately, and tonight he seemed so happy. Wander guessed he was doing a pretty good job himself tonight, though he was hoping he and Hater could have some alone time a little later. He had to give the skeleton his gift, after all, and that would be better done in private.

At the moment, there wasn't too much going on at the party. Everyone was just chatting and eating snacks. Maybe Wander could begin to get some games going in a little while. Hater had seemed to like the games they'd played at the last party they'd had.

"Hello, Wander. Having a good time?"

Wander turned with a happy smile to find the watchdog commander ladling punch into his cup, eye narrowed slightly as he glanced Wander's way.

"I sure am, Commander Peepers!You an' Hatey sure know how ta throw a shindig!"

Peepers seemed to wince slightly, but then he leaned back casually on the table, taking a sip of his punch.

"And it seemed you knew exactly what present to bring."

Wander's smile widened at the compliment. He hadn't been expecting it what with how uncomfortable the commander had been around him lately. Normally, he would have corrected Peepers and let him know that this wasn't exactly his present, but he rather wanted that to be another surprise. In this case, it was probably better to just be appreciative of what the watchdog had said.

"Well, golly, Mr. Peepers! That's so kind of you ta say. I jus' wanted to help Hater ta have a happy birthday, an' I thought he might like to see all his new friends."

"And you were right," Peepers conceded easily. He took another sip of punch, eye trailing casually over the gathering, where Hater now seemed to be telling some story to a few of the guests, waving his arms as he talked. "It certainly was a good idea," Peepers continued after a moment. "At least it saved him from having to hang out with just you all evening." His tone was very light as though simply making conversation.

Wander chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. He wondered whether Mr. Peepers was a little annoyed at him and Sylvia for coming to the party. It might not have been a decision he agreed with.

"Hatey sure seems ta be havin' a good time with everyone!" he offered.

"Now, don't get me wrong." Peepers flapped a hand dismissively. "Lord Hater has been very happy since the two of you…got together. After all, he is a galactic conqueror, and what with lording it over his numerous minions and crushing countless civilizations under his heal, he really hadn't had the time to find anyone to give him much romantic attention until that whole thing with the two of you happened."

"Oh?" Wander was starting to feel a little uncomfortable, although he wasn't sure why.

"Oh yes," Peepers continued. "And although he complains about you being annoying, talking too much, being too weird and energetic and, well, you, all that…affection you give him does certainly seem to be something he enjoys."

"Gosh." Wander felt a strange worry flicker through him for a moment, like a breath of cold air. He knew he probably still annoyed Hater sometimes by being silly, even once the overlord had started seeming to enjoy his company more, but he hadn't realized it was bothering his buddy that much. If he was unhappy enough to be complaining about it to Mr. Peepers… "D'ya think I should talk ta him about it? I don't wanna bother him. If there's somethin' I'm doin'…"

"No, no." Peepers waved his hand again. "I'm certain he wouldn't even have wanted me to mention it to you." He leaned closer, one hand cupped around his pupal now, as though to ensure no one else could hear, and spoke in a low almost-whisper. "Just between you and me, we're both aware of Lord Hater's…lack of positive dating experience. He seemed pretty nervous about jeopardizing what is probably the first tolerable relationship he's had, especially since he seemed to think all the, well, physical stuff you were willing to do made it worth it." He patted Wander's shoulder. "Don't give it another thought, and enjoy the party."

Then he was gone.

Wander stood by the snack table, feeling strange from his head down to his toes.

Ordinarily, Mr. Peepers having a different opinion about something wouldn't bother him, especially when it was about something Wander was doing. He knew the watchdog commander was still getting used to having him and Sylvia around in a more peaceful setting, and that he was still adjusting to all the other changes that were going on. Peepers still needed time, and he probably still needed to work through things with Hater. Wander understood, and he wasn't bothered if Peepers needed to go on a rant or enact the occasional kidnapping.

But this…

This was about him and Hater.

More specifically, it was about something that seemed to be bothering Hater more than Wander had thought it was.

And it was maybe something he'd been a little worried about already, because, well, hadn't they rushed into this whole thing a little?

It really hadn't been that long since Hater had been trying to torture and kill him. They'd just barely started to become friends before the overlord had kissed him and they'd started dating.

Wander knew he was largely to blame for that. He did have a tendency to get overeager and excited and rush ahead into things without thinking them through. Sylvia had scolded him more than once for landing them both in danger by doing exactly that. And he'd been so excited, so happy, and had been wanting this so much.

He probably should have slowed down for a minute after the kiss and thought about whether Hater might need some more time. He could have backed off on the flirting. Then, when he and Hater had their talk on the evening of their first real date, he could have suggested that they get to know each other as friends first instead of asking whether Hater wanted to be together.

And he knew Mr. Peepers was certainly right about some of what he'd said.

Wander was still annoying to Hater sometimes, especially when he was too silly with the overlord or when he tried to be romantic when there were others around. He could tell Hater would get annoyed or embarrassed, and Wander would try to tone it down a little when that happened.

And that should be okay, at least for the most part.

Their relationship was still beginning. Hater was still just getting to know him without all the 'rarg' and the angry zapping. They were still figuring out what they meant to each other.

Wander knew his buddy had never really been in a relationship before. He'd never had a chance to find out what he actually wanted or who he wanted to be with. He was still even kind of figuring out who he was, exploring who he wanted to be.

Wander had had a lot more time to get to know Hater and to be his friend, simply because he hadn't been distracted by trying to 'destroy his most hated enemy' the way Hater had.

Wander wanted to be with Hater; he always had.

When he and Sylvia had first rolled up to that fair at Binglebop, and Wander had gotten his first look at the villain he'd heard so much about, he'd felt a strange tingle all through his guttyworks, and he hadn't known what it meant exactly.

Some of it had been nervousness, of course. He was always nervous when he met a new overlord or conqueror, before he got to know them a little and figure out what kind of help they might need, and before he could start making friends.

Hater had certainly gotten his attention, appearing amongst his troops, sending Sylvia flying and looming over Wander in that menacing way he had. Wander had listened to him ranting, and it did seem like the poor fella could use some help. For the moment, he'd at least gotten the overlord to have some fun with him, and he'd left that first meeting happy, looking forward to the next time they'd see each other.

And it hadn't been that long until he found himself facing off against his new friend again, then again and again. And every time they parted ways, he found himself more eager for the next time they would run into each other again.

And he started noticing little things; the smile Hater would get when he'd accomplished something and was proud of it, how sweetly he treated Captain Tim, the adorable pout he had when he didn't get his way, or when Wander had escaped from yet another execution attempt. He noticed the curve of Hater's slumped shoulders, the points on his lightning bolts and that intoxicating electrical hum that Wander could just barely hear when he pressed his ear to the skeleton's ribcage.

And, well, it hadn't been the first time a villain had caught his eye and he'd developed a little crush. And that's all Wander had thought it was at first. He'd ignored it for the most part, even later, once he knew it wasn't just a crush anymore, but something deeper. Hater needed his help; he needed a friend, and that was what Wander was going to be. He wasn't going to let any other feelings get in the way. Hater needed someone to be there for him and show him that he was loved and appreciated and…great, someone to help him be happy.

Wander had been happy to be Hater's friend, happy to be anything Hater needed, to help him grow and give him time to figure out all of that. He'd imagined them being friends forever, playing music and singing songs, going on adventures and visiting places together.

Wander couldn't wait to see it. He knew once Hater figured out who he wanted to be and what he wanted to do he was going to light up the galaxy. He was going to be amazing. And all Wander wanted, truly, was to help him along the way.

He really hadn't minded that his feelings would never be returned. He would be perfectly happy being Hater's friend and supporting him. He had even found himself daydreaming of one day helping Hater to find a romantic partner, since that clearly seemed to be something he longed for, maybe even eventually officiating their wedding; standing proudly behind the podium, Sylvia there as zbornak of honor, and Peepers as the best man.

The thoughts made him happy, so he was able to focus on them rather than the other feelings he sometimes had, like how his heart started fluttering when he was able to surprise one of those rare smiles out of his friend, or how good it felt to snuggle up against him and smell that metallic char clinging to the overlord's robe that belonged to Hater and no one else. How he missed the skeleton so much sometimes he would wander off and visit him on the skull-ship, even though he knew he made Sylvia worried about him when he disappeared like that. How he always felt his heart speed up inside him when Hater would lean close to sneer at or threaten him, when he could listen to the overlord's scintillating stories, sometimes from the safety of an air vent, when he got lost in those bright green eyes, or how exhilarating it felt to just be near him.

He hadn't focused on those thoughts and feelings, had let them just be a part of him that would probably always be there, but focused instead on being a friend because that was more important. One day, they would all be friends and have fun together, and he would help Hater to be happy, and he would have been happy too.

Then, Hater kissed him.

And it was like stepping into a whole new galaxy with countless sparkling stars, only it was a galaxy he couldn't imagine leaving. He wanted to stay and explore it forever.

And though he hadn't said it once they'd started dating, was in fact certain Hater wouldn't want him to say it yet, and had therefore had to bite his tongue on numerous occasions, Wander loved the overlord with all his heart; he always had and he always would.

He wanted to be with Hater forever.

But…what if Hater didn't want to be with him? What if he just wanted to be with someone and Wander was the only one there, the only one who'd returned his affections?

Wander knew Hater was attracted to him. Hater had kissed him first, after all, and besides, he could see it in the skeleton's eyes every time they were together, could hear it in his voice and feel it when he held Wander or stroked his fingers through his fur, or any time they touched.

He could also tell that Hater felt good when they were together. He would get shy and awkward sometimes, and he even got annoyed occasionally, but he still seemed so happy. They hadn't gone on too many dates together yet, but he knew Hater enjoyed his time with him, that he wanted to be there.

But, all of that could be true and what Peepers had said could still be the case.

Wander knew his boyfriend wasn't used to the affection and attention, that it seemed to amaze and frighten him at once and that he craved it. And he'd seemed to enjoy their kissing an awful lot. Did he crave it enough to put up with a relationship that was annoying and bothersome, one that wasn't really making him happy?

That wasn't a good foundation to build on. If Hater was attracted to Wander but was too put off by the way he acted, then wasn't Wander hurting him by being with him? Wouldn't it lead to Hater feeling unhappy in the relationship?

How did Hater really feel about him?

Wander wasn't sure what to do.

He wasn't even sure he could talk to Hater about everything since it hadn't been something the overlord had wanted him to find out about. He'd be getting Mr. Peepers in trouble and Hater would probably feel betrayed, and likely upset at Wander for prying. It would make what would already be a difficult conversation even harder to talk about. His buddy was still learning how to even have conversations about his feelings without throwing lightning bolts around and yelling, and this conversation wouldn't be easy in any case.

Wander shook himself. He couldn't let himself spiral like this. He was here for Hater, and it was Hater's birthday. Wander had to support him and make sure the party went well. His buddy deserved to have an awesome birthday.

But he probably needed to think about this. He didn't want to cause a problem or make things harder for Hater.

He glanced at the snack table. It was pretty full, but there was probably space for some more chips and such. Maybe the skull-ship's pantry would have some, and there would certainly be bowls in the kitchen.

He headed for the door, smiling at those he passed rather unseeingly.

He just needed a minute to think and something to help with. When he got back with the snacks, he'd go back to helping Hater to have the best party ever.

And then he'd do some more thinking.

Hater was having a blast.

It was amazing how natural it felt to hang out with the rulers, especially when their first impression of him had been their planets being conquered and being thrown in his all seemed to want to spend time with him, listen to his stories and jokes and actually talk to him. Even now, he was standing by himself because he'd wanted a moment to reflect, and not because anyone was ignoring him, a feeling he was unfortunately quite familiar with. He could step back out into the crowd whenever he was ready and be the life of the party once more.

It was hard to believe Hater had ever thought of destroying all of them. They were so much fun to be around! And now that they knew who he was, he didn't have to do it in a fake beard and crown, or a ridiculous accent. He hadn't had to capture them or force them into coming. They'd come to his birthday just because they wanted to.

And because Wander had invited them.

Hater felt a warm feeling fill his rib cage at that thought. Honestly, he'd been a little hesitant to have a party this year, after how his previous birthday had gone. He'd had to think about it for a while, but had eventually decided to go ahead with it. He'd even been kind of excited to invite Wander, since it had been the first time he'd had someone to invite who would actually want to show up, and he had been pretty sure this birthday would be better than his last.

But he hadn't expected it to be this good.

He felt on top of the world, popular and interesting and validated in a way that even conquering the most impressive planet hadn't made him feel.

Wander had known exactly what he'd needed.

He glanced around, expecting to see the telltale orange and green of his boyfriend somewhere nearby, but Wander seemed to be missing.

Oh well, he was probably off helping with something and would no doubt be back soon.

Then maybe they could start some more dancing or something.

"Enjoying your party, sir?"

Hater hadn't seen his third in command approaching. He realized he had a huge smile on his face and coughed, attempting to appear professional.

"Um, yeah. It's, you know, fine. Pretty fun." A sudden thought hit him, and he looked away, out across the big room at the chatting guests. "And…nice job setting everything up, Peepers. I know we were only expecting, like, two guests, so…yeah." He glanced back to see pleased surprise flicker across Peepers' face.

"I…thank you, sir! It was my pleasure. As the Greatest Villain in the Galaxy, you deserve to have a good birthday." He shuffled his feet for a moment as though not knowing what else to say.

Hater was feeling some of that as well.

"Uh, yeah, naturally," he managed.

The two of them stood together, watching the party.

"Soooo, seen Wander anywhere?" Hater asked after a minute or so had passed.

"Hmmmm." Peepers peered around the big room. "Not for a little while, I'm afraid, sir. He was restocking the snack table last time I saw him. Maybe he went to get a refill of something. Why don't you have fun. I'm sure he'll be back soon."

That was exactly what Hater had been thinking himself, but for some reason he frowned.

"Yeah, probably, but like, it's my birthday, and we're…you know." For some reason, it was still difficult for him to say it. "He should be paying attention to me."

Peepers gave a somewhat uncomfortable half-laugh.

"Well, you know Wander, sir. He probably just got distracted by something shiny. So…" Peepers clapped his hands together abruptly. I heard Dominator just blew up planet Arcurus."

Hater slumped slightly, arms crossing as he huffed in annoyance.

"Really, Peepers? You want to talk about work now, on my birthday?"

"No!" The watchdog waved his hands hurriedly. "I'm just making conversation. For instance, what do you think about Dominator?"

"Besides the fact that she's destroying planets I should be conquering and that she messed up my totally awesome proposal plan?"

Peepers rolled his eye.

"Yes sir, besides that." Peepers leaned slightly closer, looking up at Hater confidentially. "I mean, we all saw her without her armor during that battle royale. She's quite attractive, wouldn't you say?"

Hater recoiled as if he'd been bitten.

"Who said that?!" he demanded. "Did you say that? I didn't say that!" Worry rushed through him and he hastened to heap on more denials. "I would certainly never have said that, because I didn't even notice how hot she was, or that she had such cool hair, or that sexy dress, or her lousy pretty eyes!" He crossed his arms angrily, glaring down at Peepers. "What's your point anyway?" he snapped.

"Oh, no point, Lord Hater. Like I said, I was just making conversation." Peepers waved off the topic. "Why don't you get back to your guests and I'll keep patrolling. I'll let Wander know you were looking for him when I see him."

"Fine, I guess." Hater still had his back up. "Just, don't tell him what we were talking about. Which…wasn't anything and doesn't mean anything. But still, don't tell him."

"Don't you worry, sir. I won't mention a word." Peepers gave a final salute and headed off into the crowd.

Hater stood alone for a moment, glaring around, before he took a breath, relaxing again. He wasn't sure why he'd reacted like that, or even why he was feeling so unsettled that Wander was gone. Peepers was probably right. Wander was probably just getting something else ready for the party. He should just enjoy himself, and the nomad would be back before he knew it.

He took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension go out of him.

Hater looked out at the party guests again, and noticed that Beeza was waving him over with one of those understated, half-smiles she seemed to wear. He felt a smile forming on his skull once more and headed back into the party proper. Until Wander got back, Hater was going to enjoy the party, after all, he was the birthday boy, and it was his party, and a really awesome party too!

Hopefully, Wander would be back soon to enjoy it with him.

Thanks for reading!

I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I really hope the Peepers scene and Wander's introspection following it worked, and I am so sorry for writing that at the same time. Peepers finally made a move on at least one of his plans, and with some results even. (Ducks from volley of thrown weapons.) Next chapter, we will see some more of Wander and Hater, and we will see what happens next.

Either this story or The New Galaxy is up next. We will see where inspiration strikes.

See you soon!