December 2024
Two more years later

Anti finally felt more comfortable around Dark . . . or Damien. He preferred Damien but everyone else still called him Dark. He could at least stand to be in the same room as him and feel moderately safe. He was starting to trust him.

A lot has happened after Anti finally met with the changed Dark back in 2022.

The Edge of Sleep show with Mark in it finally released. Mark finally finished his movie he had been working on, Iron Lung and he's been hard at work with his friends on the podcasts Distractible and Go!My Favorite Sports Team.

Sean's comics starring Jackie and Marvin had been on FIRE lately, not to mention he had released info about his ego game coming out. Sean had left Cloak to instead focus on his comics and his coffee company which had recently celebrated their 4th birthday. Not to mention he had been busy previously on his podcast that ended on the 100th episode, Brain Leak, with Ethan.

Everything had been going good.

However, it had also been extremely exhausting and lonely. With all of Sean and Mark's projects, a lot of the egos found themselves missing their creators.

But finally, with Mark taking a short break after Iron Lung, everything would be smoothening out again a little.

They all decided, actually, to have a get-together and go to the theater to watch Iron Lung all together on the big screen.

It wouldn't be easy but they all knew that Mark all of his family and friends there.

At the Septic house, everyone was getting ready to meet the Ipliers at the premiere at the theater in LA. Henrik insisted they all dressed formally but Anti and Jackie were having problems with that. Anti couldn't figure out a tie and Jackie could barely fit in his suit since he was so much bulkier than the others.

Marvin was magically making alterations to Jackie's suit while Chase was helping Anti with his tie. Jameson and Henrik were welcoming Sean and Evelien inside since they had just arrived to leave with them.

Chase noticed Anti was sort of looking off into space, "Hey. . . you gonna be okay tonight?"

Anti blinked at him, "Yeah, why do you ask?"

"Well . . . It's another gathering with the Ipliers"

Anti understood his concern, "Dark has been very. . . considerate. I think he's actually doing a lot better, surprisingly enough. We haven't really spoken that much since two years ago but if we just so happen to, he's pretty polite and tries not to be awkward."

"Just be on your guard, alright?" Chase still didn't trust him. He never would.

"Yeah, yeah, dad" Anti teased, "You think Dark was in the movie?"

"I doubt it" Chase shook his head, "I hear Dark's had his own busy schedule what with working on Actor's old house with Wilford and therapy with Dr. Iplier"

"He's STILL doing therapy?"

"Yeah, Bing says he is. Guess he still has a lot of demons. There. How's that look?" Chase gestured to Anti's tie.

It looked good enough to him, "Yeah. Good. . . . I guess I just figured my demons were worse than his . .since he made most of them"

"Who says they aren't?" Chase argued, "You just refuse therapy"

Anti rolled his eyes, "Who needs therapy when I have brothers like you lot constantly up my ass?"

Chase put his hand on his shoulder, "LOVINGLY up your ass"

Anti snorted with a chuckle, "Yeah, yeah, sure. Like tapeworms"

Sean popped in the bathroom with them since the door was open, "Hey, you two. Ready to go yet? Heh. I like how you all are wearing different colored ties. Look at you, Anti, with your little green tie. It's cute"

Anti glitched, "You're wearing a green tie, too! And I'm not cute!"

"Yeah, no, you're right" Chase laughed, "You're ferocious. Do you wanna bring your favorite turtle plush with us to the premiere, scary baby boy?"

Anti pouted, "You better. . . watch yourself, Brody"

"Okay" Sean pat his shoulder, "Let's go. We don't want to be late for Mark's premiere. We won't hear the end of it otherwise"

They all met in the living room and Evelien cooed at them all, "You all look so handsome! You too, Anti! You and Sean look like twins! It's so cute!"

They didn't since Sean had decided to grow his hair out long but they looked similar enough.

Anti wanted to hate it but he couldn't get mad at Evelien.

He just sighed and mumbled softly, "Thanks"

Chase snickered but Anti elbowed him to shut him up.

A few minutes later, they were in the alley nearby the theater. They didn't want to just teleport directly there and scare a bunch of people. There was the worry of alerting a bunch of people about the egos since they all looked exactly like Sean but Marvin had that covered, making them all look different to everyone who didn't know about them.

"Alright, let's go." Sean led them all to the theater where they were met by the Iplier egos. Mark was busy getting photographs with people so Sean and Evelien decided to head in the theater to their reserved seats.

Most of the Septics and Ipliers, however, decided to hang out and talk a little together first before going in. Anti found himself searching for Dark so he would know at least where he was but he didn't see him anywhere.

'Huh. . . I wonder if he's already inside or if he came at all?'

Anti's thoughts quickly drifted to the movie they'd see tonight. He didn't know much about it but he was a big fan of the game. He couldn't wait to see what Mark had done with it.

Anti self-consciously put his hands in his pockets. He hated suits but he'd stick it out for his event.

Suits always reminded him of Dark and how he used to be. . . .

"Hi, Anti!"

Anti jumped a little and turned to see Wilford standing behind him.

"Oh. . . hey, Wilford. How you doing?"

Wilford sported a light pink suit jacket with white pants and a hot pink bow tie to match his pink mustache.

"Oh, I'm doing pretty swell! You're looking mighty spiffy in that suit. Almost like you tried!"

Anti snorted, laughing, "Yeah, well, I didn't. Henrik made me wear it"

Wilford looked around, a little out of his head for a moment before coming back to Anti, "Damien and I have been hard at work fixing up Actor's old shithol. Man really was a pig and let the place go. Pretty soon, though, Damien will be moving in there"

Anti blinked, "Wait, what? I thought you guys were just fixing it up for the hell of it? Dark's gonna move out of Raspy Hill?"

Wilford shrugged, "I suppose so. Whatever makes him happy, I guess, though. How've you been, sonny?"

Anti was thrown off my Wil's sudden question but nodded, scratching at his head, "Oh .. . . .yeah, I guess I'm doing alright. You?"

Wilford had a soft moment of clarity and smiled, "You know, I've been a lot better since he's gone. . . . . sometimes, I feel the fog in my mind clear away briefly and it's nice"

Anti was surprised by this but smiled back at him, "That's good, Wil. . . I'm glad you're doing good."

Wilford slapped his arm, "Now let's go in and enjoy the show, shall we!? Bully, it's gonna be good!" he grabbed Anti by the armpit and started dragging him inside before letting him go, running off to the concession stands.

It was then that Anti realized that everyone was already headed inside, 'Shit, I'm not gonna be able to grab a spot I want in time. . but I really want food' his mouth drooled at the thought of nachos and a movie theater hot dog.

He decided to make the sacrifice and get in line for snacks.

When he finally got what he wanted, he headed on into the theater and could already hear the trailers playing.

It was dark inside the theater but he made his way, looking around for a spot to sit up front with the other egos.

Only to find that there weren't any more spots available!

'What the-!? That can't be right!'

But as his eyes started to adjust, Anti did finally see a spot at the end of the row.

As he moved closer, though, he regretted his decision.

There was a spot but it just so happened to be right next to Dark who was sitting on the very end away from everyone else with one seat in between him and the others.

'Oh god. . . . what am I gonna do? I can't just. . .. but there aren't any more spots. . . . I can't just ask someone to move.'

The person who would be on the other side looked to be Illinois but Anti wasn't really in the mood for the Iplier to try and flirt with him for the entire movie or try and put his arm around him.

But he'd have to suffer with it.

Anti took a deep breathe and walked forward.

Dark didn't even seem to notice him until he sat down. Luckily, he didn't say anything but he did seem surprised.

Illinois was just about to say something to him when someone else walked up to them.

"Hey Illy" Jackie tapped on his shoulder, "Do you mind if we switch seats for. . . reasons?"

Of course Illinois knew the reasons but he mumbled back to Jackie, "I know you want to sit by Anti to try and make him feel better but maybe you should just switch spots with Anti instead?"

This put Anti on the spot.

Oh no.

He didn't want to seem like a dick, though. He was an introvert! He didn't want to be a problem or bothersome! And he might not really 'like' Dark but he didn't want to hurt his feelings. He knew Dark would feel sad if he so blatantly took that offer directly in front of him.

It's been four years.

"I. . . . " Anti sighed, "It's fine. I can stay here. I don't wanna be a pain. I'm fine, Jackie"

"You sure?" he asked, giving Dark a subtle glare.

Dark didn't seem to be paying attention, though, or at least he was trying to act like he wasn't.

Anti nodded, "Yeah. . . I'll be alright. Illy's good company when he's not trying to get in my pants"

Illinois snorted, "I don't MEAN anything by it. Just messing around is all"

Jackie still didn't look too sure but he trusted Anti, "Alright. If you feel uncomfortable, just come up to me, okay?"

'No way am I gonna get up in the middle of the movie and block other people's view'

"Yeah, sure. Thanks" he said instead.

Jackie walked back to his seat.

Anti could feel Dark's eyes on him but neither one said anything. Anti was at least grateful for that.

Illinois whispered to him, "No need to be brave when you don't have to be. Remember that. Can I have a chip?"

Anti rolled his eyes but offered him a nacho.

The movie started.

.

.

.

.

Nearly two hours later, the movie ended and everyone clapped and cheered and Mark, of course, bowed to the audience.

No incident occurred and Anti damn near forgot that he was next to Dark the entire time.

They all started to exit the theater, though and Anti could feel him looming behind him.

Only to disappear again when they all left the theater room.

Everyone was cluttered around in groups and pairs chatting and going on about their favorite parts. It was a lot of people.

Too many people.

Anti had to get some air.

He walked out of the theater and immediately calmed when he got outside into the cold crisp night air. No one was really outside which was nice.

He took a deep breathe, knowing he'd probably regret it tomorrow when his voice would be scratchy.

But it felt nice.

Everything felt nice lately.

Better.

He gave a little smile to himself.

Suddenly, Anti could hear footsteps behind him.

He knew those footsteps well.

He started to frown again.

". . . . What do you want?"

Dark walked up next to him, "Um. . . I don't want anything. . .. just figured I'd say. . . hi?"

Anti still didn't look at him, ". . . .Hi"

It was silent for a few moments and it was starting to get awkward until Dark finally spoke again, "I'm surprised you sat next to me tonight. I know you didn't want to. Why didn't you take Jackie or Illinois' offer?"

Anti hated this. He didn't want to tell him but he couldn't blame him. It WAS curious.

He shrugged, "I don't know. . . I didn't wanna make a scene. Besides, it wasn't so bad"

"Oh. . . good" Dark cleared his throat, "I saw you talking to Wil earlier."

Anti finally glanced over at Dark . .. Damien.

He finally actually looked at him for the first time tonight.

Dark was in a black suit with a white shirt underneath but he held a cane in his hand and his hair looked a little different.

Anti tilted his head curiously, "You . . . . you look a lot like Damien tonight"

Dark blinked, "Um. . . yeah. . . . I mean, I AM mostly Damien now since. . . you know. I just feel . . . MORE like him tonight than I've felt in a while. Things are finally getting a little better"

"Better? . . . Then why are you moving out of Raspy Hill and into Actor's old place?"

"Wilford told you about that?" Dark snorted, "Well . . . Don't get me wrong. I love all the Ipliers. Things have gotten better since four years ago in more ways than one. But after so much self reflection, I've come to realize that maybe I need to be on my own for a while and remember who I used to be. As Damien. Celine is allowing him in the spotlight, after all. . . "

"But why live in Actor's old place? After everything's he's done. . ." Anti didn't understand it, "You said before he's made your life hell. He was your monster that you were afraid of. Why stay in the same house he lived in?"

"I understand what you mean" Dark hummed, "It's not as simple as that, though. . . . It was Celine's house, too. There's a lot of bad memories there. . . but there's also some good. Not to mention, I've renovated the place so Actor's presence will barely be felt there."

Anti got it. He wanted to be away but somewhere familiar. Some place that felt like home where he could just relax and not worry about others constantly.

Not that the Iplier egos needed constant attention anymore. They were pretty tame now since the debacle of 2020.

"I. . . . " Anti tried to find the words, "I hope you're happy there"

Dark smiled, ". . . . . Thanks, Anti. I don't deserve that. . . but thank you"

Anti sighed but Dark cleared his throat, making him look back at him, "What?"

Dark glanced down at Anti's tie, "Um. . . It's just. . .. do you mind if I fix your tie? It's driving me crazy"

Anti glared but he wasn't really mad, "What? Why? What's the matter with it? Chase said he fixed it for me"

"Yeah, I can tell. May I? I am an expert, after all"

Anti wanted to roll his eyes but he found himself more tolerant with this conversation than he thought he'd be.

Dark's presence wasn't so bad anymore.

". . . . sure. Okay"

Dark reached forward carefully so he didn't startle him and began untying the knot on his tie.

Anti could smell his cologne. It was different this time, though. Like. . . .

"Is that . . .is that Gingerbread?"

Dark blushed a little, working on Anti's tie, "Yeah. . . . I. . . I mean Damien used to wear it all the time around Christmas"

"Hm .. . ." Anti scrunched his nose, "I liked the cinnamon better"

Dark rolled his eyes, "Okay Mr. Pumpkin Spice"

"That's MOSTLY cinnamon, you know"

"Oh, whatever. People change, you know. I happen to like the gingerbread smell sometimes"

"It's VERY overpowering"

Dark finished Anti's tie, "Deal with it. There. That's a lot better"

Actually, Anti had to admit, it DID look better. he wouldn't tell Chase about it, though.

But what Dark said stuck with him. People DO change.

He saw that happen with Dark.

"Thanks"

Dark put his one hand in his pocket and twirled around his cane with the other, "Well, I'm gonna go back inside before someone notices we're out here together and tries to kill me."

"Right" Anti nodded.

Dark was about to turn.

"Dark, wait" Anti had a brief moment of insanity. Or was it something else?

Dark halted and turned back around to face him, "Yes? What is it, Anti?"

Anti bit his lip, trying to think of what to say. What should he say? Was this a good idea? Was it okay? Did he trust him?

"I. . . . . " he sighed, "I was wondering. . .. do you maybe wanna. . . .play a game sometime online together?"

Dark's eyes slowly started to light up and it dawned on him what this meant.

Dark started to smile. REALLY smile.

"I. . . . I mean. . . y-yeah! Yeah, I'd love that!"

Anti cracked a little smile, "Cool . . . . o-okay. . . .I'll uh . . . text you?" he was back to being awkward himself again.

But Dark didn't mind one bit, "Yeah! Sounds good. . . . .. " he knew what this meant and how hard it was for Anti.

It meant that maybe things were finally looking up.

Anti swallowed but still smiled a little, "Okay. . . . . I'll text ya later then. .. Damien"

Dark was happier than he had been . . . well, in forever. But he didn't want to ruin anything already so he just nodded and walked back inside.

Anti took a deep breathe.

"Well, that was something"

Anti jumped but relaxed a little, seeing the Septics appear out of nowhere.

"Dammit, you guys! You scared me half to death! Were you lot just standing there the entire time invisible?!"

Marvin nodded, "Yeah, pretty much"

Jackie tilted his head, "You sure you really trust him now? This doesn't seem like a trick to you?"

Anti shook his head, " . . . No, I don't think so. . .he's different now. I can tell"

Henrik nodded, "He did seem a lot. . . nicer"

Chase had his arms crossed, "Fucker didn't have to mess with the tie, though. It was fine just the way it was" he grumbled.

Anti blushed, realizing they saw that weird moment.

"Look, whatever you're comfortable with, Anti" Marvin waved it off, "If you trust him now, that's completely up to you. Just know that we're here for you in shit hits the fan. Got it?"

Jackie nodded, "If he so much as twitches the wrong way, I'm beating him. . . . As long as you feel safe, Anti, then we're good"

Anti smiled and nodded, letting his brothers attack him with gentle hugs and hair ruffles.

Yeah, he knew everything would be okay now no matter what happened.

Everything was great now since he was free from his trauma and fears from so long ago.

He finally felt whole and loved as long as he had his family and friends at his side.

Anti was happy and he couldn't wait to see what the future had in store for him.

He felt ready and excited.

He finally felt . . . . . safe.

Okay, so that story is finally completed. I loved how it actually turned out in the end. I had just originally planned on keeping Dark as the bad guy but with introducing Actor to the story, it just felt right to give him a little smidge of redemption. What'd you guys think? Happy with the end results?