#((the wedding day is here uwu and richard already being a busy body))

[ducknotinarow]

Mocha Wedding the second uwu || @aflockoffeathers

Richard, couldn't believe his dork of a husband coming into the café that afternoon making sure every single customer in the building at the time was directing thier attention his way and he soon turned to Richard. Moving down to take a knee and held out a small jewelry box to present a ring to the eagle. Richard remembers how his face felt warm the second he saw it, despite having been in this situation before with the very same man. As Bailey once again asked if Richard would marry him.

What the heck was Bailey thinking was Richard's first thought. Not blurting out a 'yes' like the last time they had done this, of course, he still gave them a yes second. Even if his damn rooster went on to make a fuss over how Richard started to blush over thier gesture. For whatever reason Bailey could get to him, fluster him, make him blush and even feel a bit of shyness. Doesn't help when your bratty husband goes and tries to drag you back out so everyone can see you blush since he was just so cute when he did it apparently. Brat.

His brat that was of course. Who was still sleeping peacefully in Richard's hold they didn't exactly marry again after that day so much happened. Richard didn't need a wedding per se after all life happens but Bailey still wanted to give Richard that wedding. Nearly ready to go bankrupt for it alone. Dork, nothing but a huge soft dork Bailey was they had thier reasons for it though of course. And Richard would be lying if he wasn't excited to marry them again he would tell them yes every time after all. It was why he was awake so early now, unable to get himself to sleep. This second wedding was different for both of them it was to say 'I meant it when I said forever.' with them facing some darker parts in life well making a better life together. They were growing a life they wanted but thought wasn't for them. A loving home, thier furbabies, and Buddy thier pride and joy. Thier little family and each other.

Were, all the thoughts going through his head right now as he lay in his and Bailey's bed. He'd been awake for a bit now just looking to the ceiling thinking he would doze back to sleep. That just never came to him so he was left reeling at the fact the day was here. Richard was beyond excited to renew his vows to the rooster, to continue this life they were building to show he would always choose to be with them. Maybe he should just start his day? he was not getting any sleep anyway. Hmm Bailey would whine and pout if he just left them on thier wedding day though. Well, the answer to that would be obvious, yes they would because Bailey was a child like that. Gently giving a shake to thier shoulder to wake them now.

"Hey Sleeping beauty you awake?"

Richard asked softly hoping to just wake them long enough to tell them he was going to get up and start taking care of things. Well also letting Bailey go back to sleep on thier own. Looking them over to see if the attempt got them to stir at all. He gave them a soft nuzzle of his beak against thier cheek, as he softly spoke to them. In case there were a little awake he wouldn't fully wake them up just yet well also just getting in some early morning affection "I'm gonna start getting things ready for our big day pollito, we got a lot to do before the actual event."

If they didn't wake up he'd just try again in a bit he decided on as he started to slip out from under the rooster gently shifting them down to the bed as he scooted across the mattress. Checking again to see if they woke up yet.

"Jeez even on our wedding day you go and sleep like a log?" He asked before pressing a kiss to thier forehead. "Fine all I get to work you sleep like the lazy butt you are." He teased them to himself mostly as he went to get up from the bed now mentally setting up a checklist of all that needed to be done and then what would need to be done himself to get ready.

Pausing because it kind of just hit him now, he was getting married. Sure they have been married for a bit now and it's not the first time clearly but at the same time. Richard was getting married to Bailey again. Sitting on the edge of the bed as the idea was settling in over his shoulders right now, tail feathers fanned out across the bed. It wasn't like the last time sure because he knew what being married to Bailey was like but it was still exciting he just couldn't pinpoint what it was about this second go-around that was getting him so, well giddy to be honest. Maybe because of everything else? Even after Bailey had gone through rehab and gotten clean. He still wanted Richard in his life. That had him smiling, even more, damn it, they didn't need to actually be awake to get to him it seemed damn that brat he thought to himself.

[clownsgobeepbeep]

World Where Pumpkins Bloom

And now, part 11 of my story! Hurray!!!

Tbh the next part is kind of when things get...good? X3 Gah I hope stuff here is good both writing and story wise heheh, I feel that I may have rushed with the editing so I pray it’s decent

Tagging @grotesquegabby and @post-itpenny because there’s the slightest mention of some of yours uwu

Part Ten /// Part Twelve

“No, no, no! I said that no cake right now! The cake is going to be rolled in when we start to sing!”

“Jells, take a breather and just relax.”

“How am I supposed to relax when they can’t follow simple orders!?”

“You’re starting to sound like Mama Carol.” mentioned Cosmos who had been standing next to his sister who impatiently tapped her foot, both watching as two men rolled the large cake back and away into the kitchen where it came from. “How about you take a break from this? I’ll do the telling around here and you can go change into your costume.”

“It’s too early for that and knowing you, you’ll either get extremely angry or be too chill about things.” Jelly walked away from her brother who then ran after her, walking alongside her. “Ugh! That table is not in the right place!”

Cosmos stopped walking and turned to the table, waving a hand before the table moved with his movements into what he could assume was the correct place. He then followed his sister once again, watching as she walked to the center of the circus they were inside. Right in the center was the main stage, their cousin Cuckoo standing on it as they did their own leading.

“Cuckoo,” Jelly called out to the ringleader who turned to her with a smile. “Where did you put the section for the gifts?”

“That would be right over there Jelly.” Cuckoo motioned to an area that was already adorned to the theme of the party the D’Vitt family had been working on for the past few days. “Jelly, may I recommend something?”

“You may not.” Jelly sweetly smiled at Cuckoo before turning on her heel, Cosmos having parted away. “Do not tell me to sit down and relax.”

“I was actually going to recommend that you lay and rest, but alright.” Cuckoo laughed to themselves as they walked beside Jelly. “Although I must ask, where do you want the cake to go once the moment arrives?”

“I’d say right on the center, which is why I ordered that platform so that we wouldn’t struggle.”

“Ah yes, of course.” nodded Cuckoo. “And may I ask, where is James?”

“He’s at home with the boys. James is practicing the heart warming speech he has for Ula.” Jelly playfully rolled her eyes. “He’s acting like he’s giving her away at her own wedding. I mean, it’s just Ula’s twenty-first birthday which to humans is like becoming an adult and it’s almost like...I’m giving her away at her own wedding…”

“Jelly.”

“What am I going to do Cuckoo?” Jelly turned to the ringleader who attempted to contain a laugh. “Cuckoo, what if my little girl leaves home? What if Schrader asks for our blessing and proposes to her? Tonight!? What if-”

“Jelly, Jelly.” Cuckoo took hold of Jelly’s shoulders to stop her from rambling any further. “Take a deep breath, and think about what you are saying.”

Jelly followed as Cuckoo instructed,releasing her air which was then followed by a sigh.

“Oh Cuckoo...even as a so-called Elder I act like a paranoid human.” Jelly tugged at her hair. “I’m just glad-”

“Mom?”

The pair soon turned to look behind, a smile gracing Cuckoo’s features as Jelly’s showed a sign of subtle, mixed emotions.

“How do I look?”

“Oh, Ula.” Jelly whispered before going towards her daughter who was now in the circus, a pink dress hugging her body as she wore it. “You...you look…”

“Absolutely stunning.” Cuckoo finished for Jelly. “A flower who continues to bloom fantastically.”

“Thank you.” Ula grinned at Cuckoo before giving them a hug. “And thank you for allowing us to hold our party here.”

“Ula, you are family.” Cuckoo carefully pat Ula’s hair, making sure not to mess it up since they knew she had just gotten it done. “There is no need for thank you. Now-”

“Isn’t it too early for you to be in your costume?” Jelly interrupted before biting her lip. “We wouldn’t want your dress getting ruined. Where’s Schrader? He’s not wearing his suit, right? Why are you here? You’re not supposed to be seeing these things! And-”

“Mom.” Ula was the one to now place her hands on Jelly’s shoulders, smiling at her anxious mother. “Please, just relax. I know you want everything to go well, but I just need you to chill.”

“I will chill,” Jelly cleared her throat. “Once you leave the circus and go hang out with Richard. You two are supposed to be at the pier, having a good time while we finish everything up.”

“But mom-”

“No buts! Now go to the pier and have fun.” Jelly shooed Ula who rolled her eyes with a laugh. “And you don’t come back until it’s time!”

“Alright, alright. I won’t come back.” Ula waved at her mother as she walked away, Jelly giving a sigh before Cuckoo placed a hand on her shoulder.

“I know you think she looks as if she were to be married today-”

“Cuckoo, what the hell are you talking about?” Jelly removed Cuckoo’s hand before making her way towards a table. “You’re cuckoo, Cuckoo.”

“Oh Jelly. It is not like I am the Elder of Time or anything.”

“Whatever Cuckoo. Just go and lead the ring or whatever it is you do.”

_____________

“Ula, you’re gonna be laaate!”

“How is she going to be late if she got ready way before us?”

“And it’s her birthday party!”

“Yeah!”

“Boys,” spoke James as he stood in front of a mirror and slipping into a leather jacket. “It is us who will be late if you do not put your shoes on.”

“But daaad!” whined one of his sons. “I don’t wanna wear shoes.”

“Vincent, please.” James turned to the triplets who all sat on their parents’ bed. “Your mother is already waiting for us at the circus. I feel awful about not being there earlier. Now where is my comb?”

“I think I saw Biollante with it.” Hector shrugged as he swung his legs around, slicking his hair back which was being held down by a nice amount of gel. “Maybe they already ate it.”

“Biollante never had it.” came the voice belonging to Ula, everybody turning to the doorway where she walked in with a comb in hand as she was followed by Biollante. “You left it in the kitchen.”

“Oh, Ula.” James gave a bit of a sigh before approaching Ula with a smile to gratefully take the comb in her hands. “Whatever would I do without your darling?”

“Pfft, I dunno.” Ula slightly shrugged before  looking over at her brothers with a smile. “Um, anyways, I just got  a text from Schrader.”

“Is he near?”

“Oh yeah.” Ula nodded as she read the text messages. “So I think I should be leaving now.”

“What about us?” Davy threw himself backwards so that his back was on the bed. “We wanna go in the fancy limo too!”

“Boys.”

“Yes dad.” the triplets all replied with a sigh, their eyes turning over to their sister who gave a small smile.

“Oh! I think that was the door.” Ula pointed behind her after hearing the doorbell ring. “I should go now.”

“Oh, alright.” James nodded before following his daughter out of the room and to the living room where Ula unlocked the front door. “We will see you at the party then.”

“Mkay.”

“Take care and make good decisions.”

“Okay.”

“And-”

“Dad.” Ula interrupted James. “I’m just going on a limo ride and gonna stall until everything at the party is ready. You’re gonna see me there. It’s not like I’m going to prom and you’re staying here at home worrying about nothing.”

“I…” James remained silent before nodding, giving Ula a smile before carefully hugging her in a tight embrace. “I am very sorry I have been treating you this way. I just worry about you.”

“I know, but I’m here.” Ula snuggled into the hug, hiding her face. “I won’t leave you, dad.”

“Alright.” James nodded before finally letting go of Ula, the two smiling at each other before she finally opened the door to revel Schrader in his suit. “Schrader.”

“Mr. Mendax.” Schrader replied with a smile before glancing over at Ula who grinned ear to ear, so he offered an arm. “Miss D’Vitt.”

“Alright dad, we’ll be leaving now to head to the party later.” Ula kissed James’ cheek before accepting Schrader’s arm. “See ya!”

“See you.” James gave a bit of a wave at the pair as they headed away and into the vehicle parked in front of the house, neither noticing the suspicious glare that was now on James’ expression.

“So, what did you do the entire day before coming to pick me up?” Ula turned to Schrader after they both sat inside the limo, her eyes soon widening in surprise when she felt him kiss her all of a sudden.”

“I’m sorry.” he apologized with a laugh once he pulled away. “You just look so beautiful.”

“I look like this every day.” Ula gently hit Schrader’s shoulder before he shook his head. 

“Look like you’re going to a school dance to get a kiss from your destiny lover? I don’t think so.”

“Whatever.” Ula rolled her eyes before snuggling into Schrader who wrapped an arm around her. “So, we picking up the guys?”

“Yeah, right before we actually go to the party.”

“How long will that take?”

“I don’t know; I just know there’s a certain time we need to be there and it’s not exactly soon.”

“Huh.” Ula tapped her chin for a moment, then removing Schrader’s arm before making her way towards the end of the limo where there was a window that allowed her to see the driver. “Hey, how long till we go pick up our friends?”

“About an hour or so.” the driver answered. “Your mother instructed me to give you and your boyfriend either a leisure ride or let you stop wherever you wanted during that time. After that, we pick up your friends and head to the party.”

“Huh. That sounds pretty nifty.” Ula blinked in surprise before turning to Schrader who was too busy looking through the drinks. “Is it possible for you to take us to a restaurant or something like that?”

“It is. What do you have in mind?”

“I need you to go to this address.” Ula presented the driver with a note she had written earlier. “We’ll just spend some time there, maybe until the hour’s over.”

“Sounds great, I’ll take you there right away.”

“Thanks.” Ula nodded with a smile before heading back to where Schrader was seated, the latter casually drinking from a soda can. “Find anything good?”

“I’m surprised I found some Dr. Pepper.” Schrader proudly presented his soda before drinking from it again. “Anyways, where are we headed?”

“Oh, just somewhere nice. Hopefully it’s not crowded or anything.” Ula innocently grinned before Schrader gave her a look. “I know you’ll like it. Just make sure you don’t drink a lot of Dr. Pepper so you can have another drink over there.”

“We’re not going to a bar or anything, right?” Schrader laughed before wrapping an arm around Ula again.

“Of course not, you know I hate those places unless it comes to the good food.” Ula winked before her eyes turned to the driver who was too focused on the road. “I think you’ll like the place. Good food...if I remember correctly.”

“I trust you.” Schrader kissed the side of Ula’s head before looking out one of the windows. “Is that it? A 1950’s diner?”

Ula turned to look out the window as well, nodding with a small smile.

“It sure is.” she fluffed her hair and fixed the accessories in it before the vehicle made a stop, so she approached the driver’s window again. “We’ll be getting down now, I’m not sure if you’d like to come with or want to order something.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll wait here for the two of you. Just take your time.” the driver gave her a reassuring smile. “Go have fun.”

“Thank you.” Ula waved at the driver before she was helped by Schrader out of the vehicle. “Okay. Let’s go get our table.”

“Right.” he nodded before the two made their way to the front door, Schrader opening it and walking in after Ula. “Wow, it’s really not crowded.”

“It’s perfect.” Ula took hold of Schrader’s hand before leading him all the way to one of the booths in the back. “And this booth is perfect.”

“And why is that?”

“It just is.” she reached her hands out to hold Schrader’s again. “I really want a milkshake right now.”

“I think there’ll be plenty at the party.” Schrader looked around the area before turning back to Ula. “But, it’s nice being here. Just the two of us.”

“Yeah, exactly.” Ula nodded. “Nothing like a corny 1950’s date while we dress the part and drink from a single milkshake with two straws.”

“Sounds like the perfect date.” Schrader also nodded before his thumb rubbed on Ula’s knuckles. “You look so beautiful.”

“And you so dashing.” Ula replied. “I love you.”

“Nah, you don’t.” Schrader chuckled out before leaning over the table to plant a kiss onto Ula’s forehead. “But I love you.”

_____________

Once the appropriate time had gone by, the skies had finally grown darker while still having a bright orange coloration to them. Beneath the skies was the circus belonging to Cuckoo who wandered around said tent, a warm smile adorning their features as they greeted guests that arrived.

Cuckoo however also made it their job to keep Jelly at bay, keeping an eye on her as she was put in a “time-out”. After greeting yet another few guests, Cuckoo turned to the table where Jelly was seated, and she directed an insulting motion towards them which merely made them laugh.

“Are you really that upset?” Cuckoo questioned the woman who refused to look at them, turning to face the opposite side with her arms crossed.

“I’m not talking to you.”

“Jelly, you knew I would most certainly not allow you to rush around the circus with stress on your mind.” Cuckoo chuckled as they sat in a chair next to Jelly’s. “Did you not take me seriously?”

“I kind of thought you were joking, yes.” Jelly still did not look at Cuckoo who pat her shoulder. “But let me tell you, you won’t be able to stop me once Ula gets here.”

“Alright, that I can agree on.” Cuckoo nodded before turning to the side, their smile widening. “However, I will resume welcoming guests and attending to every other detail after you have finished greeting Ula.”

“Whatever.”

“So, you might as well take the opportunity.” 

Jelly finally turned to Cuckoo with a frown and a rather confused one. Her nose twitched at the new scent that made her look to the entrance before clasping her hands with a gasp and brightened expression as a new guest arrived.

Cuckoo turned as well, now spotting that new ‘guest’.

“She’s here!” Jelly excitedly exclaimed before her expression turned into one of terror. “She’s here!”

“Jelly-”

“Where’s James!?” Jelly jumped up from her chair before spinnin on the spot, then gasping upon finding her husband standing right in front of her. “Jamie!”

“Jelly, she’s here!” James exclaimed in a whisper as he motioned to the entrance of the circus.

“We need to go to her.” Jelly grabbed his wrist before dragging him through the crowd of applauding party-goers who all now focused on the spotlight on Ula and Shrader. “I already saw her earlier, but she looks so beautiful!”

“You saw her before me!?” James asked in shock before his wife waved a hand at him, both finally stopping once they neared their daughter.

“Ula!” Jelly waved her free arm while slightly bouncing in place, this obviously catching the attention of Ula and Schrader who went towards them. “Oh, look at you two!”

“Mom, dad! Everything looks great!” Ula exclaimed before she was embraced by both of her parents. “I can’t believe you guys did all of this!”

“Anything for our tiny clown.” James booped Ula’s nose after the three parted away. “Schrader, you also look nice. The slicked hair suits you.”

“Thank you.” Schrader bowed his head momentarily before turning to Ula.

“And wow, mom.” Ula laughed as she looked her mother up and down. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear pants, especially such tight ones!”

“They look good, huh?” Jelly showed off her legs.

“Very.” James nodded before he got a small slap from Jelly on the arm.

“Alright you two, now that you and your friends are all here you should go and sit down. We’ll make some announcements later and such, then we can get to dancing.” Jelly grinned in excitement with some soft clapping. “I am so very excited.”

“Me too!” Ula also clapped before taking Schrader’s arm and locking hers into it. “Well, if you guys don’t mind, Schrader and I are gonna go dance!”

“Sounds good.” Jelly nodded, then nudging James’ side before he also nodded.

“Yes, we do not mind at all.” James smiled at Ula who also nodded, then rushing away with Schrader. “I hope they do not ditch the party.”

“Ula would never do that, especially after how hard we worked on making all this happen.” Jelly planted a peck onto James’ lips before walking away, surprisingly in a calm manner.

As James was left alone, he gave one more suspicious look at Ula and Schrader who were already on the dance floor. Soon enough, James made his way out and towards his wife.

_____________

“So,” Ula breathed out as she slow danced with Schrader, her head bowed down as she looked at their feet. “How are we gonna do this?”

“Well,” Schrader shrugged before pulling Ula closer as he also spoke quietly. “We gotta get their attention.”

“I think I know how to do just that.” Ula added before finally looking up at him. “We’ll have to wait just a little longer.”

Time had gone by, hours having already passed as the pair felt that the party was never ending. They had decided to join each other in yet another slow dance, this one being different from the rest that had been filled with loving gazes ad kisses here and there.

“I just…” Ula sighed. “I feel so numb right now.”

“I know, I get it.”

“I’m scared Schrader.”

“There’s no reason for you to be scared.” Schrader forced a comforting smile upon his features as he brought a hand up to Ula’s cheek. “I’m...I’m here for you.”

“No...you’re not.” Ula shook her head, her eyes blinking away what she could tell were tears. “You can’t be.”

“Ula.” Schrader reached out to hold her hand. “Ula...I know this is hard to believe, but you have to believe me.”

“I want to...b-but how can you be talking to me?” Ula felt her lip quiver as she took her hand away from Schrader. “I, I’m so confused...how...I-”

“I know, I know. Just...let me explain everything.” Schrader attempted to calm her down.

Ula’s night had been going well. It had been fantastic, even after a small mistake that took place in a circus that in no way belonged to Cuckoo but was in fact their rival in their eyes. Yet now, Ula was seated back on the couch of her living room where she had left a slumbering Schrader who was now wide awake. She didn’t want to believe that just a few minutes ago she had been conversing with a cat, and one who told her quite the unbelievable story she did not want to believe. 

The cat told her to speak to Schrader, and that was exactly what Ula did...never expecting him too add on to the feline’s tale.

“How did you die?” Ula spoke before Schrader was able to, turning to him once she wiped away stray tears. “And if you’re really dead and not playing some fucked up joke, how is it that you’re talking to me?”

“Ula, I would never do something like that to you.” Schrader took her hands into his again. “I died after your birthday party. You were attacked by the daughter of...Ryder and Missy.”

“What?” Ula blinked a few more times, this time with even more disbelief.

“I’ll get to explaining that other part later. Right now, I just need you to know that their daughter killed me. Grabbed my own mallet and…” Schrader stopped himself, feeling a pain course through his head. “She...she smashed my head into bits and-”

“Are you here because you too got a favor from the Elders or something.” Ula interrupted with an empty tone, her face plain and numb as could be.

“Conllium, yeah.”

“Why didn’t you tell me any of this earlier?”

“I had to make sure I wasn’t suspicious. Couldn’t blow my cover immediately since there are eyes and ears everywhere.”

“So...you’re alive here...but dead in reality…”

“...yes.”

“And I have a boyfriend who’s not you because you and I broke up before that.”

“Yeah…”

“What’s his name?”

“Atlas.” Schrader breathed out, not even sure what emotions he was feeling in that moment. “You’re...you’re childhood best friends.”

“How’s he look?”

“He’s got dark brown hair, green eyes, glasses. Pretty damn tall but still shorter than me. Has antlers coming out of his head ‘cause he’s a deer dude.” Schrader gave a bit of a laugh, still trying to comfort Ula. “And if I do say so myself, pretty good looking guy. Guess you do know how to pick them.”

To Schrader’s surprise yet gratitude, this was enough to make Ula smile a bit.

“However, Dante and the twins say that he looks like a nerd. That’s their nickname for him.”

“They’re so mean.” Ula quietly giggled to herself, right before her smile faltered and turned back into a frown. “But if he was my boyfriend and I really loved him...how did I forget about him?”

“You didn’t forget him. You were forced to;you were forced to forget every detail of your life so that you could feel that you belong in this world.” Schrader stated before looking down with a sigh.    “Just how...you were forced to love me again.”

“Schrader-”

“That’s not important right now.” Schrader shook his head. “What matters is that I tell you everything about your reality, and that we figure out how to get out of here.”

“Schrader,”

“Maybe we need to-”

“Schrader.” Ula spoke louder before Schrader looked at her, realizing that they were still on the dancefloor. “Schrader,”

“Yeah?”

“Schrader,” Ula started again before placing both of her hands on Schrader’s cheeks, biting her lip as she blinked away tears she would not allow to escape. “You have such a beautiful smile.”

“Ula-”

“Please. Just, never stop smiling.” she continued before pressing her forehead against Schrader’s. “I love you.”

“No.” he shook his head after grabbing Ula’s arms, preventing her from leaning in anymore towards his lips. “You don’t.”

They stared at each other for a moment before Schrader released Ula’s arms and she lowered them, the latter biting her lip as she felt Schrader kiss her forehead.

“But even death, I really love you.”

“Ray-”

“Ula!~” Jelly’s voice sounded from the side, prompting the pair to turn and see just the woman approaching them. “Schrader! It’s time to cut the cake!~”

“Already?” Ula turned to look at the large clock in the circus, but shock came to her upon the realization that there was no clock in sight. “What time is it?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Jelly waved a hand before grabbing Ula’s hand, dragging her through and off the dancefloor until reaching the bottom of the center stage. “Alright, now let’s get you ready Your father should be here any minute.”

“Jelly.” James was now heard, so the girls turned around to see James who smiled at them both. “Ula, ready to cut the cake darling?”

“Of course.” Ula nodded. “But I want Schader up there with us too.”

“Oh yes of course! We must have lost him on the way here.” Jelly chuckled before Schraer was finally in their presence. “There he is! Now let’s go up on the stage.

“Ready?” Ula whispered to Schrader who nodded, both holding hands rather tightly.

“I guess.”

“May I have everybody’s attention please?” Jelly spoke into her microphone she was handed, the music now stopping as everybody turned to her. “I believe that it is now time to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl.~”

Everybody’s attention was now on Ula who stood in the center, her siblings, parents and Schrader standing beside her. All eyes watched as from one side of the stage, two workers rolled in a table with a large cake that made Ula’s eyes widen and her jaw drop. The pumpkin at the very top was then lit up, right before everybody began to sing to Ula who felt her eyes swell with tears. Once done, Ula leaned in to blow the candle out before everybody clapped and Ula embraced her family, then being released as she was handed a large kitchen knife to cut the cake.

Cake slices were distributed to all the guests who focused on their new treats,. However, their attention was once again grabbed once a tapping into the microphone was heard. They all turned, as did Ula and those near her, everybody now staring at James who held the microphone and neared the girl.

“Lily.” he started before clearing his throat, a hand going up to slick his hair back despite it already being styled in such a way. “As your father, I have a few words I would like to speak to you.”

“Dad?”

You know I would do anything for you.” James gently squeezed Ula’s hand. “Lily, you...you have grown into such a beautiful, little lady.”

“Oh, dad...” Ula whispered, her eyes glancing down at  her thumbs which she twiddle, feeling a knot in the pit of her stomach. Besides that, there was a pain in her head just like every single other time something familiar struck her, and she very well knew these words had some kind of familiarity to them.

“What I am trying to say Lily, is that...I am so, very proud of you. Without knowing it,you gave me a chance to better myself and turn into who I am today. You allowed me to become your father, the father of a very talented, intelligent, beautiful, young woman who I thank for such acts of kindness.” James looked at Ula who bit her lip in order to prevent herself from showing too much emotion that she would have liked. “Anybody is fortunate to have you in their life Lily, I know I am. And as I mentioned before, you have grown into such a lady that I have grown to be very proud of.”

“Oh, dad.” Ula tried her hardest to hide what she felt, but even if she knew what she heard was all a figment of her imagination...it resonate deep within her. “Stop, you’re gonna make me cry.”

“I only tell the truth.” James chuckled before using a handkerchief to softly wipe Ula’s eyes. “You deserve all the good in the world. You are such a strong and courageous one and you stand back up no matter how many times you fall. You are such an admirable lady Lily.”

“J...dad…”

“I just need you to know these things, just in case you ever forget darling. I am so glad that I was given the chance to this life, and especially to share it with you as you grow and continue to bloom into the wondrous flower that you are.” James smiled at Ula who accepted the handkerchief he offered to wipe her eyes again. “I know that the night is coming to an end, but I wish you a Happy Birthday.”

Ula then pulled herself away from James to wipe her eyes that finally poured out tears, right before she felt him pull her into a hug that she instantly returned. The girl buried her face into him until they eventually pulled away, James wiping her eyes once again.

“Thank you J...dad.” Ula wiped her eyes one last time. “That...that was very sweet ...I'm so glad...I...I don’t even know what to say….”

“That is alright.” James tucked a strand of Ula’s hair behind her ear. “You do not need to say anything.”

“No.” Ula shook her head before taking the microphone out of his hand. “There is something I need to say.”

Ula looked at both of her parents who each gave her smiles, awaiting the heartfelt speech Ula must have prepared. She then glanced over at Schrader who furrowed his eyebrows at her, motioning as if to ask what she was planning.

“Tonight has been wonderful, probably one of the best nights of my life.” Ula began, roughly clutching onto the microphone she spoke into. “But this is not my life.”

Jelly and James turned to each other, completely perplexed before Jelly stepped towards Ula who got away.

“This is just some illusion. It’s not real and I realize that now.” she told everybody before looking over at James. “You are...you are not my dad...you...you’re just a bunch of pure imagination.”

“Ula, what is going on?” Jelly whispered through grit teeth.

“My dad’s name is Lennie Blueblood and he’s the father of my siblings Davey and Cordelia. My pet is an alien axolotl named Mana, and he has a family of his own. My uncle Cosmos is married to a man named Vespers and they have three kids. My uncle Pepper is married to a woman named Belinda and they have kids like rabbits would. My mom’s best friend is my aunt Maggie who is married to Billy.My best friend is named Amaranthus and I couldn’t stand her when we first met, but I love her like a sister despite her being my cousin. And my-” Ula then stopped herself before looking over at Schrader again, though he made sure to turn away. “My boyfriend’s name is Atlas. That’s my life, my reality and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Ula…” Jelly pressured as she attempted to grab the microphone, Ula tearing her hand and the microphone away which made Jelly frown deeply.

“And now that I have everybody’s attention, I have one more thing to say.” Ula took a deep breath before finally speaking again. “Fuck you Cantarella, you useless piece of shit.”

In that moment, Ula saw as the lights in the circus all turned off to create a dark atmosphere that made her clench her fists. She felt as Schrader stood next to her and grabbed her hand, both then seeing as a series of pink lights turned on in the darkness.

“What’s with the pink lights?” Ula whispered before feeling Schrader securely dug his fingers into her arm.

“Those aren’t pink lights.” he took a step back, taking Ula with him as they realized the pink was everywhere. “They’re eyes.”

“I think it’s about time we ditch the party.”

“Yeah.” Schrader nodded before he and Ula made a run for it, jumping off the stage and kicking some guests on the way down before pushing through everybody that attempted to stop them. “May I ask what your plan even is!?”

“I just knew that we need to get everybody’s attention but other than that, my mind’s blank!” Ula exclaimed  before stopping in her tracks. “Wait!”

“No time for waiting!” Schrader grabbed her by the wrist in an attempt to drag her away from the crowd of pink eyed shadows that chased after them. “They’re going to get us!”

“No, wait! I need the cake knife!”

“Knife!? What for!?”

“I saw this in an episode of Batman: The Animated Series!”

“Ula!” Schrader groaned before picking her up, running even faster before they finally got out of the circus and lost the others. “I know this is all fake but this isn’t some hero television show!”

“I know, I know!” Ula replied, then whispering once Schrader hid behind a tree with Ula still in his arms. “But this stuff always works in movies and shows, I’ve seen it more than once. But there’s this episode with the Mad Hatter, and-”

“Ula…!”

“Oh! I’ll get the knife myself!” Ula removed herself from Schrader’s arms, hopping down and creating a rabbit hole in the ground which she jumped into. “Come on!”

Schrader searched the area for a moment, making sure nobody else was near, then jumping into the hole that lead him and Ula back into the circus. He remained silent as did the entire circus, the only sound being the music that ever so softly played quite ominously in the darkness.

“This way.” he felt Ula grab his wrist, the two walking over to the stage before Schrader helped Ula climb onto it. However, before he too was able to get on, the lights in the circus all turned on and Schrader was pulled back by arms grabbing him from every side.

“Schrader!” Ula exclaimed before rushing towards the cake, grabbing the large knife that she held close to her. Her eyes widened at the sight that was Schrader being held down by the hands of her parents and brothers that all glared at her with pink eyes.

“Oh shit…” she muttered once realizing that she was actually surrounded by pink eyes everywhere. “Oh shit, shit, shit.”

“Put the knife down.” commanded her mother in a distorted voice, her frown then turning into a sweet smile. “Please my little oyster, put the knife down.”

“No!”

“This is all but a grave mistake.” James commented as his nails dug into Schrader. “Please, let us love you.”

“No.” Ula shook her head as she now pointed the knife at them. “Fuck you.”

“Don’t you love us Ula?” the triplets asked with innocent voices. “We love you, big sister!”

“Fuck off!”

“Don’t speak to your brothers with such foul language.” Jelly frowned one again, pressing her sharp, elongated nails against Schrader’s throat. “Or I’ll kill him.”

“And we’ll especially kill him if you don’t stay with us.” the triplets nodded as their nails grew into claws as well.

“You have always wanted a father, correct?” James smiled at Ula who’s glare started to falter. “Here I am darling.”

“D...dad…” Ula started to lower the knife, then shaking her head as she slashed at the air. “You’re not my dad! Lennie is!”

At this, James gave a glare before turning to look at Schrader who struggled to get out of the family’s grip. 

“If you don’t stay with us, we’ll kill him.” James threatened, everybody then hearing as Ula gave a laugh.

“Do it.” Ula continued to laugh. “Do it, asshole.”

“Ula.” Schrader breathed out as he glanced down at Jelly’s and the triplets’ claws. “What are you doing?”

“Trust me.” Ula mouthed to Schader before her eyes went back to James. “Go ahead and kill him. I bet you won’t do it.”

James and the others scowled at Ula, then turning to Schrader before claws were dug and slashed into him. Ula made sure to turn away at the sight, not wanting to relive the memory of Schrader dying, even if she didn’t remember the first one.

“And now,” Ula shut her eyes as she gripped onto the knife very tightly. Her eyes opened for one last time before she glanced at James and despite her determination, Ula felt a twinge of pain in her chest.

“Goodbye.”

“Ula, don’t!” James exclaimed before plunging the knife right into her back, choking out a breath of air before she cut a straight line down.