AU: None (Set in s7)

WC: 2.5k

So for context, back when s7 was still running, I remember seeing Bdubs' and Grian's episodes when Grian would constantly show up at Bdubs' base to shoot him down and take his head. Immediately I got the perfect angst idea for it and wrote it out, but I never published it due to my dislike of the direction it took towards the end. However, after working on the 1k follower special for the Recap and being reminded of #VivaLaGrianlution, not to mention a friend making a valid point about how people tend to write Grian, I decided to fix it and publish it. 

I started this late January of 2021, so, a year in the making, here it is :)

-

The shopping district was fairly quiet. A hermit or two would pass him by, but mostly it was a peaceful quiet. As Grian passed Lamps Plus, he saw Bdubs, refilling a barrel outside the shop. Bdubs looked up to see him. "Yo, Bdubs!" Grian called, grinning as he waved, but his smile quickly slipped.

When he raised his hand to give a wave, Bdubs flinched.

And he flinched hard.

Grian just stared at him, a million reasons racing through his brain. The other just blankly stared back, smiling with a wave. He couldn't tell if Bdubs realized what he did or not.

-

"Is everything okay?" Grian blurted out. The freckled hermit was a little surprised by the sudden comment and stood up.

"You mean in general? Uh, yeah I'd say so. Why? Is everything okay with you?"

Grian simply smiled and shook his head. "Yeah, yeah. Sorry. Ah, have a good day!"

Shrugging, Bdubs gave another small wave before continuing on his path. He wondered if Grian was alluding to another one of his silly pranks, but he hadn't the time to worry over it.

-

Scar and Bdubs were talking in the H.E.P headquarters, debating what they should do with the building. Would they need to hold future meetings, if they should finally take down the llama exterior, etc. But when the mayor went to reach over Bdubs to catch a slipping vine from a hanging plant, he flinched.

For a brief moment, terror filled his eyes, and Scar noticed.

"Hey, is everything okay?" He softly asked, carefully placing his hand on Bdubs' shoulder.

"What?" He laughed, pulling Scar's hand off him. "Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"

"Bdubs, you... flinched."

"Flinched? What? No, I didn't. I didn't..." His voice trailed off as he stared off, blinking.

"Do you want to talk about it?" The mayor slowly asked. Bdubs shook his head and held up his hands.

"It's nothing, honestly," he insisted.

-

It kept happening. Again with Scar and Grian, but also with Etho, Impulse, Keralis, anyone who interacted with Bdubs. They were all getting more worried by the day, and rightfully so.

Even though many hermits had their suspicions as to why he was acting this way, Grian was the first one to say something.

-

Grian landed in the village Bdubs had built and scanned the area. He knew chances were they were either down there or up at the castle. He walked around for a minute before he spotted Bdubs and Doc standing by the horse stables, laughing. When they noticed Grian approaching, Bdubs' smile fell and he moved to what seemed like removing his armor, but Doc put a hand out to stop him.

The hybrid stepped in between them and crossed his arms.

"Grian," he said, giving a curt nod. "What do you need?"

"You need to explain yourself!" Grian demanded, pointing a finger.

"What?"

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed; Bdubs has been flinching every time someone even raises their hand around him."

"Of course I noticed!" Grian glanced over Doc's shoulder and saw Bdubs burning holes into the ground with his stare.

"What have you been doing to him?" He asked, unsaid accusations dripping from his voice.

"I know exactly what you're thinking, but this isn't because of me," he quietly said, narrowing his eyes. "In fact, maybe you should reevaluate how you treat some people," he added.

"Excuse me? Listen you are in no right to-"

"Grian." The two turned to look at Bdubs.

-

Bdubs didn't mean to always flinch. Once Grian and Scar pointed it out he actively tried not to, but he couldn't help it. Then Grian showed up at his base and it was like he went on autopilot and started to remove the armor he still had on. Doc stopped him because he knew.

Because of course, Doc knew.

The first time Bdubs flinched around him was when he pulled out his sword to chop down some bamboo. Something inside Bdubs told him that sword was meant to go through him and he just... flinched. Doc didn't let him go out of his sight for the rest of the day and dropped everything to make sure he was okay. He of course also threw questions at the hermit, trying to figure out what happened.

It didn't take long for the hybrid to narrow it down to Grian once Bdubs talked about him constantly showing up just to kill him for his head. Doc had been very protective since- always accompanying him everywhere and being cautious when another hermit wanted to talk to his boyfriend.

"I'm sorry," he suddenly said the third night as Bdubs snuggled against him in bed. "I'm being too much, aren't I?"

"Don't worry about it- I think it's sweet," he whispered, guiding his head down to kiss his forehead.

-

Now, there they were, Grian and Doc arguing while he just stood there. He felt guilt boring into his chest for having his boyfriend speak on his behalf.

So he said something.

"I appreciate the concern," he calmly continued. "But everything is fine."

"Are you sure? Because it seems like-"

"I'll see you around, okay?"

The two just blinked at him as he dismissed Grian with a soft smile.

"I- okay. I'll see you around, then," he gave a little wave and turned around, but only to pause and add, "Just... Everyone's worried about you, and we want to make sure you're okay."

-

"Bee, why didn't you tell him?" Doc softly asked once he left.

"I- What if he felt bad? Or that I'm overreacting? Obviously, everyone else is going to find out and they'll be mad at him, and then I'd feel awful!" He rambled.

"But they should know," he urged.

"I know." He pressed against his chest, sighing.

With a sigh, Doc put a hand on his head. He flinched at the touch but found the contact comforting. "It's sweet you want to protect our friend, but if you don't say something, he'll never learn. Grian will continue to push his pranks too far and could end up hurting someone else."

Nodding, he took a deep breath and pulled back. "You're right, as always. I'll talk to him. Soon."

-

The shopping district never felt more crowded. Since Bdubs needed to collect his earnings from Lamps Plus again and had to go see his boss Etho, they took a trip to the shopping district two days later. When Bdubs agreed to confront Grian, he had decided to talk to him first before spreading the word to every hermit. He'd rather resolve the issue without creating server-wide drama. Of course, since no one knew yet, it didn't take Bdubs long to realize why it felt like every hermit was either staring at him with concern or burning holes into Doc's back.

They blamed him.

After reminding himself to apologize to his boyfriend once they were done, he tried not to glance at the other hermits and did his best to tune them out.

"... looks uncomfortable..."

"... hope he's okay..."

"... help him get away..."

"... confront him as a group..."

"... know what's happening..."

It was hard not to scream in frustration. It was hard not to turn around and shout the truth. But Bdubs knew if he did, then all of this negative attention would fall on his friend, and despite what Doc had said the other day, he'd feel guilty.

-

After collecting his diamonds, he laced his fingers with Doc yet again as they made the journey over to Shade-E-E's. On their way there, of course, they bumped into Grian. He opened his mouth- whether it was to apologize or accuse Doc again they would never know as Bdubs interrupted him.

"Are you free later? I want to talk with you," the builder asked.

"I have time now," he offered. And since there was still ten minutes before Etho wanted to see him, they stepped to the side - with Doc of course - to smooth things over.

-

"I'm so sorry!" Grian covered his mouth. "I didn't realize- no, I should've. I promise last time was the last. It never should've gotten that far."

Bdubs - who had let go of Doc's hand - pulled the other into a hug. "I'm not mad, y'know? And I don't want everyone else getting mad on my behalf. I just... you need to realize that sometimes, you take pranks too far."

Grian nodded. "From now on, I swear I'll be more mindful. I don't want to hurt anyone again. And, if you ever need anything, I'll be there."

-

"Bdubs, Doc, welcome," Etho greeted.

"This shouldn't take too long," Bdubs assured the other. Although Doc didn't show it, he was easy to read for the builder. He was still worried about him, and it was cute.

Once inside Etho's office, Bdubs plopped down in the seat, trying to mask the worry of what his boss was going to have him do. "So are ya gonna fire me yet?" He joked.

"Bdubs, about what happened the other day," Etho began.

He knew where it was going.

The other day, Etho gave him a simple pat on the back, and he quickly pulled away from the touch as he flinched.

"It's fine, really," he assured him. "I didn't mean to make you nervous- or anyone for the matter, I'll-"

"Is it true?" Etho softly asked.

There was no need for a further explanation. The worry and doubt in Etho's voice said more than enough, and it ached Bdubs. When he didn't say anything, his boss added, "Because if it is, I'll hurt him."

"No no no!" Bdubs shook his head and leaned forward. "It's not Doc, I swear. He would never hurt me."

"Then who?" Etho urged as Bdubs reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "Bdubs who hurt you?" His voice had lowered as he squeezed back.

-

While Bdubs was calmly explaining everything to Etho, Doc decided to make a quick stop by Keralis' book shop. After making some purchases, he heard something.

He turned around in time to see multiple angry hermits surrounding him. False, Xisuma, Keralis, Scar, Beef, and xB were all staring him down. They hadn't even started talking yet and Doc was well aware of what was going on. He stifled a sigh and straightened his posture.

Are they going to say anything, or is it going to be an uncomfortable silence until Bdubs finds me? He bitterly joked to himself. Thankfully, his questions were answered when Xisuma piped up. "I think it's safe to say that you know why we're here, so we're just going to cut to the chase," he took a deep breath. "We think it'd be in Bdubs' best interest if you took a... step back."

He knew what they were referring to, but regardless of that, a part of him agreed with them. Doc was possessive, clingy, and overbearing. For all he knew, he was suffocating Bdubs, and the last thing he wanted - especially now - was to make him uncomfortable.

"And whatever it is you're doing to hurt him; it needs to stop," False added, crossing her arms.

He opened his mouth to protest, to try and explain how it wasn't his fault. But he knew no one would believe him. They had no reason to. Besides, then he'd have to say who was the cause, and Bdubs would be mad if he did.

So instead, he just decided to play along, in hopes the other hermits don't get too mad at him. "You're right, I'll- I promise to not be as-"

"Doc? Where are you?"

All of the hermits' attention snapped to the road. Bdubs' voice could be heard in the distance and growing louder. "We're all over here!" xB called.

"What's going on?" He asked as he stepped into the shop and pushed through the crowd. He looked up at Doc, concern, and confusion circling his eyes. The hybrid matched with an assuring smile.

"Everything's fine, don't worry," he lied. Out of habit, he reached a hand up to pet his head, and sure enough, Bdubs flinched. But he still smiled at the touch.

"Bdubs," Scar gently began, catching his attention. "We're here to help."

Doc carefully watched his partner. His shoulders were tensing up and he took a side step so he was more in front of Doc. "I'm sorry for not saying anything before, but trust me, you have it all wrong," he slowly explained.

As if it was timed, Etho popped up around the corner. "Hey, can we all talk outside of Keralis' shop?" He asked.

When everyone stepped out Doc noticed Grian standing next to him, determined yet guilt clouding his eyes. "This is my fault, not Doc's," he explained. "I took a stupid prank too far too many times and now Bdubs is the one paying for it. From now on, none of my pranks will involve anyone getting hurt."

"Grian," Xisuma sighed, shaking his head. "You're a grown man, you should know better."

"I know," he agreed with a nod.

Doc looked to Bdubs, finally finding himself able to relax as he saw a content smile on his face. He was able to believe that Bdubs was going to be okay and therefore could allow himself to indeed take a step back to give him room to breathe.

"Why don't, as punishment, Grian act as Bdubs' errand boy for a week or two?" Keralis piped up.

"I quite like that idea," Bdubs spoke up with a sparkle in his eyes. "I've got quite the amount of resources to gather anyways."

Grian smiled. "I'd be more than happy to help!"

"Perfect!" Doc stifled a laugh as Bdubs pulled out a small book, scribbling down a list that made its way to around three pages. He handed it over to Grian, instructing which were the most important and needed sooner than the rest. With a salute, Grian dipped his head to the hermits and took off.

"I think you should've asked for a discount at the Barge," Scar joked, walking up on the other side of Bdubs to nudge him. He flinched a little so the mayor quickly apologized.

"No no, it's fine. But yeah, maybe he'll give me one!" Bdubs laughed. When he calmed, he nervously picked at the hem of his shirt. "Actually um, if everyone could just- ignore my- just ignore it? That'd make me feel better."

There was a chorus of 'of course and 'no problem'. After a short conversation amongst the group, each hermit left in different directions as they all were running on their own busy schedules, leaving the pair behind. "Hey, are you doing anything?" Bdubs asked him, interlacing their fingers.

Doc hummed. "No, not until tomorrow."

"Well, seeing as a big hole just opened in my schedule, I figured I'd take you out on a date!"

Beaming, Doc kissed his cheek, happily agreeing. He had no idea where Bdubs was taking him, but he couldn't wait. 

-

#VivaLaGrianlution