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Word Count: ~1.4k

Final part let's gooooo! Almost didn't make this a part of this miniseries but I wanted closure so here we are! 

A substantial amount of time had passed since Doc promised to wait for Bdubs. And he was doing well on that promise.

They both would occasionally put aside time to check on each other. It quickly became Bdubs visiting Doc and Ren and playing more of a father role to make sure they were getting proper sleep. It was a little nostalgic for him, as it reminded him of early last season when he'd pester Doc to get more sleep.

Gradually over time, they found themselves growing more affectionate. Soft kisses and cuddling became commonplace between the two.

But, Bdubs still wasn't ready to put a proper title on their relationship. And Doc never pushed, never asked. It didn't bother him at all, in fact. Being able to be so close with him was perfect for him.

Although, the one thing he wished he could do; take him on a date. Sure they've spent afternoons together, but it was never considered a 'date'. Even Doc was nervous about calling something a date.

But then, as luck would have it, Etho and Iskall had gone exploring and found atop a mountain an abnormally large crystal cavern and just outside was a large goat family.

Ren suggested Doc take Bdubs for a hike and the two go exploring there together.

-

"A hike with a promising end? Sounds perfect!" Bdubs happily agreed once Doc suggested the idea. They were sitting on the hill where his moon-shaped base was, enjoying the view of the water.

"Y'know," Doc said, glancing at his hand which he had entangled in Bdubs' hair. "It's fairly early in the day. We could gather some things and take the trail Etho and Iskall dug out today."

Leaning against his arm, he closed his eyes and nodded. "Works for me. Just... Can we stay here for another minute or so?"

Smiling softly, he moved his hand down to his waist and kissed his head. "'Course we can," he whispered.

-

They weren't even fifteen minutes into their walk and Bdubs was ready to call it quits.

Well, that's what he gets for telling himself he doesn't need to take off his sweater. Who knew that a heavy, moss-like sweater would get him sweating so fast?

He glanced over at Doc and for once, held back a laugh. The hybrid looked so excited and it was adorable.

Finally giving in, he took off the sweater and tied it securely around his waist. Thankfully he was wearing a white tee today.

However, it was growing warmer and warmer out and he felt himself becoming more lightheaded. The path beneath his feet was slightly spinning. A part of him wanted to take a break, but Doc looked so excited about getting to the top, and he was too stubborn to say anything.

He fumbled through his inventory and fished out one of the water bottles. Chugging it made him feel a little better. It eased the light-headed feeling but didn't completely take it away.

"You doing good back there?" Doc asked, pausing on the trail to glance at him.

"Yeah, 'm fine," he assured him, stashing away the now empty bottle.

The hybrid ruffled his hair before gently slipping his hand down to rub his cheek. "We can take a break if you want," he offered.

Bdubs gently took his hand off his sweaty face and squeezed it. "Seriously, I'm fine," he laughed. "Now are we gonna go see that cool geode or not?"

Grinning at him, Doc nodded and squeezed his hand in return. "Alright, to the top!"

-

Bdubs muttered a curse, swatting the persistent bugs swarming him. He flinched as the loud buzzing flew by his ear yet again. This didn't exactly feel all that fair, seeing as none of the stupid bugs were bothering Doc.

Narrowing his eyes as a bug landed on his arm, he hesitated a moment before smacking it.

If I get some sickness from being bit by one of these I'm going to- well, I don't know what I'll do but I'll do something.

When he looked up at Doc, he felt a little better.

The hybrid was observing everything they walked by. But then a bug landed on his arm and he quickly shook it off. He slipped on a rock, stumbling forward to keep himself from falling.

"Woah, woah, are you okay?" Doc asked when he bumped into him.

"Gah- yeah! Yeah, I'm okay!" He laughed, stepping back.

The hermit didn't look convinced and closed the space between them, holding his face. Bdubs' face flushed as he peered down. "Alright, we're taking a break," the taller decided.

Blinking, he didn't get to react as suddenly he was lifted from under his arms and carried to the side of the trail. "Wh- huh? Hey!" His protests were ignored as Doc sat down, plopping him in his lap. He kept an arm snaked around him.

"Do you have more water on you?"

"I have a second one, yeah! Do you nee-"

"Drink up then."

Mumbling to himself about how he didn't need to be babied, he complied anyway and pulled out his water, chugging it down. He heard Doc do the same as well behind him. "Next time, please just let me know if you're getting tired or something," he murmured in his ear, leaning his head down on his shoulder.

He pursed his lips, looking down at the bottle in his hands. "S-" Bdubs stopped, reminding himself that he didn't need to apologize all the time. "Okay."

More bugs swarmed his face and he wriggled in Doc's hold, fighting them off. "Jesus Bdubs, you're like a little kid!" He teased.

"It's not my fault these dumb bugs won't leave me alone!" He whined, smacking one on his knee.

Doc wrapped his other arm around him and sighed. "You're not having fun, are you?" He asked, half-serious.

Pursing his lips, he leaned against his chest. "I mean, not really, but I know it'll be worth it to just push through."

"Bdubs, we're barely over halfway there, not to mention we're going to have to come back down," Doc gently pointed out.

"Oh." He hadn't exactly thought about that.

Lifting him off his lap, the hybrid stood up, moving in front of him to squeeze his hands. "How about we just go back to your place and watch a movie?" He suggested with a sincere smile.

"But- don't you want to get to the top?" Bdubs protested, glancing up the trail. "I-I don't want to be the reason you miss out!"

Surprisingly, Doc just shrugged. "Well, if I want to see it that bad, I can always come back. But to be honest, I probably won't. I was honestly just excited to come out with you like this," he admitted, his eyes falling to the side.

The shorter hermit bit his lip. He really wanted to get to the top. It'd be the perfect spot to finally talk, but he really, really didn't want to finish the hike.

"Hey, is everything okay? You look like you've got something on your mind." Closing his eyes, he squeezed Doc's hand and took a deep breath. I guess here is as good as anywhere.

"I just- Thank you, Doc, so much for being patient with me this whole time. It means a lot," he said, slowly opening his eyes. The hybrid was just gazing at him with such a loving look it made his chest tighten.

I don't- no, stop it, you do. I do deserve someone as caring as him.

A light kiss was placed on his forehead before he continued. "I still- If you don't mind, I still want to take things slow, but, I'd like to finally put a title on- on our relationship." His heart was pounding as he spoke.

Doc squeezed his hands. "Bdubs," he murmured, pressing their foreheads together. "Are you sure?"

"Very sure. I want to be able to call you my boyfriend," Bdubs whispered, staring at him with determination.

The hybrid pulled him into a tight hug, and he eagerly reciprocated, burying his face in his shoulder. "I promise to be the best boyfriend." He could hear the smile in his voice and lightly laughed.

"You already are."

Pulling away, Doc kissed him, slipping his hands down to his waist to keep him close. "Still up for a movie and cuddles?" He quietly asked when their lips parted.

Grinning, he took his hand and laced their fingers together. "It's a date!"

Nice fluffy ending as a premature apology for next weeks angst