#they're all bringing something to the table here that makes me go absolutely bananas for their performance

[undead-potatoes]

Neil Newbon really did an amazing job with Astarion, and I'm sure he deserved that best performance award, but I am a little sad how the hype around him tends to overshadow everyone else. The general standard of voice work in this game is SO GOOD, and I feel like the other VAs whose work feature heavily alongside Newbon's deserve to be talked about more too.

[lailyn]

Sole Provider

Characters: Loki/Tony Stark, Stephen Strange, Christine Palmer

Summary: Tony should have just let Loki order the fish.

___________________

Tony let out a groan.

“Are you alright, Anthony?” Loki asked politely. 

“Sole meunière again?”

“Is this not a seafood restaurant?” Loki queried. “Do they not serve fish? Please don’t tell me this is one of those pretentious fusion places that put chicken korma into a sushi and call it a taco.”

“Okay, that sounds bizarre but also kinda delicious. No, I mean, yes, this is a seafood place but come on, there’s gotta be something else you can try.”

“Why? I share Julia Child's sentiment, no other dish can quite compare. It is simple yet elegant and absolutely delicious."

"I don’t know why we bother going out to eat if you're going to be ordering the same thing everytime,” Tony complained. 

"Funny you should say that. It is a luxury afforded me only here on Midgard.”

Tony blinked, momentarily confused. "But you're a prince.”

“Was.”

“You and your brother, you can’t be any more different,” Tony said, shaking his head in amazement. “I mean, I've seen the way Thor eats, he’s always telling us stories of the feasts you guys used to have back in the day.”

“Ah yes.” Loki made a face. “The feasts. Norns forbid I should develop an affinity for anything. Father would make sure it would never appear at our table again.”

“Why?” Tony braced himself for another gruesome story about Odin and his inimitable parenting style. “Isn’t feeding your kids what they like a universally good thing?”

“Not if it makes it easier for people to poison them,” Loki said darkly. “You shouldn’t be so predictable in life, Anthony. You make it easy for someone to put a knife to your throat when you sleep in the same bed every night.”

“That’s why all my penthouses have ten bedrooms, minimum,” Tony said dryly. "Remind me to get the builder in this week so I can make you a secret compartment for all your daggers."

"There is no safer place for my daggers than on my person," Loki said.

"Where do you keep them anyway? Yeah, I know they're on your person, but where exactly on your person?"

"For all your exploring, you still haven't figured that out?" Loki teased. "I suppose Thor never told you about Mjollnir? He could make it so tiny he could carry it everywhere."

"I can't believe I'm saying this but can we please get back to the topic?" Tony pleaded. "You said you were starving. I'm just saying, maybe eat something substantial? Hey, look, soft shell crabs are in season. Let's get that."

Loki sneered. "I don't trust anything that cannot decide if they want to live on land or in water."

"That must be related to some shapeshifter logic I know nothing about but does the habitat really matter as long as it tastes good?"

"And yet you claim to have a very discerning palate."

"For whisky, sure."

"So your last meal on Earth would be - ?"

"Cheeseburgers, yeah."

________________

Loki poked his fork into the mound of deep-fried things. "Crabs aren't supposed to be this soft. Has this gone bad? Things go mushy when they go bad, right? Like bananas and dead bodies?"

“Bambi, this is a three Michelin star restaurant," Tony said patiently. "Any fresher than that you're gonna have to peel the shells off the moulting crabs yourself."

"And bring Njord's wrath upon my head? No, thank you."

"Then you'd better dig in. I'm sure your god friend would want you to enjoy and appreciate all the bounties of the sea."

"The things I do for you, Stark…" Loki twirled his fork around a few strands of pasta and a piece of crab. 

Tony watched Loki chew slowly at first, before picking up pace, swallowing the first mouthful with an appreciative hum.

"That went down easy," Tony observed happily. 

He was about to dig into his own dish, an exquisite squid ink pasta dish with abalone and mussels, when Loki began coughing. 

Tony looked up. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Something just went down the wrong way," Loki coughed harder. He thumped his chest with his fist several times. "Excuse me."

“It's not spicy, is it?" Tony asked, filling Loki’s glass with some water from the pitcher. "Here, drink this."

Loki gave a vehement shake of the head, clenching the table in a white-knuckled grip as he let out a string of harsh, painful-sounding coughs. 

Tony watched in growing horror as Loki grabbed his throat.

"Tony," he called hoarsely. "I can't -  breathe - "

Tony scrambled out of his chair, just as Loki toppled off of his. "Loki!"

Hearing the thump from Loki's unceremonious landing on the floor, the nearby tables began to gather around theirs. 

Tony held his lover's lolling head between his hands. Loki's chest rose up and down but he could not seem to get a single breath in. "Loki!"

"Is he choking?" A man asked loudly. "Does anybody know Heimlich?"

"Somebody call an ambulance!"

"Oh my God, he's turning blue!"

"Excuse us!" A loud voice and a louder man pushed through the crowd. "Can everybody step back and give us some room?"

"What are you doing to him?" Tony demanded. 

The tall, grumpy-looking man ignored him and simply focused on loosening Loki's tie and exposing his chest.

"Hey, I'm talking to you!" Tony was about to grab the man, when a hand landed on his shoulder.

He turned around to see a petite red-haired woman smiling down at him.

"It's alright, we're doctors," she said apologetically. "We can help."

She directed her next question to her companion. "What do you think, Stephen? An anaphylactic reaction?"

"Looks like," Stephen said gruffly. "His lips are swelling up, and he's breaking out in hives."

The doctor groped around in his dinner jacket and fished out what appeared to Tony to be some kind of hand-held flashlight, long and thin. He uncapped it, revealing a needle at the tip. 

With one confident stroke, the man stabbed the pen-like device right into Loki's thigh. 

"Whoa, what is that?" Tony demanded.

"It's an Epi-pen," Stephen explained impatiently. "Didn't your GP supply you with one? You're not supposed to go anywhere without it when you have a life-threatening allergy, don't you know that?"

"I don't - he didn't - " Tony mumbled. "We didn't know."

The pretty redhead glowered at her date and kept her hand on Tony's shoulder. "It's okay. He's going to be okay."

"Not if he keeps sticking around with you," Stephen mumbled under his breath. 

"Stephen," she hissed. 

"Christine," he mimicked, before turning his wrath upon Tony once more. "You go on a date with someone, you let them order whatever they freaking want. And before you ask, I wasn't eavesdropping, I just have very good hearing. Was it because you were picking up the check?"

Tony could not believe his ears. "Excuse me?" 

"It was either that or you're a major control freak," Stephen muttered, pointedly turning his back to feel for the pulse on the side of Loki's neck. "Consider yourself lucky I was here, Mr Stark. The press would have had a field day."

Before Tony could come up with a scathing response, Loki began to stir. 

The colour returned to his cheeks, just as the blue left his lips.

"Tony?" He whispered.

Tony shouldered the insufferable doctor out of the way. "I'm here, baby."

Green eyes fluttered open. They quickly came into focus, before widening in alarm at the sight of the crowd. 

"What happened? Why am I on the floor?" Loki tried to push himself up, but Stephen's firm hand on his shoulder kept him on the ground. "Who are you people?"

"People whose dinner is now ruined, thanks to you." Stephen's words may be harsh but his voice was gentle. "See, Christine. This is why I have the Epi-pen, on my person, at all times."

"Yes, yes," she said, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "Dr Stephen Strange, ladies and gentleman. Once a hero, always a hero."

Loki grew even more confused. "Doctor?"

"I am so, so sorry, Loki." Tony sounded near tears. "I damn near killed you."

Stephen heaved a loud sigh. "It wasn't you, idiot."

"Tony, why is this man calling you names?"

"Not important." Tony kissed Loki's knuckles over and over. "He can call me anything he likes. He just saved your life."

"Yes, that will be two thousand dollars, made out to Doctor Stephen Strange, MD, PhD. You can find me at Metro-General, everyone knows who I am."

A wide smile began to spread across Stephen's face. It made him look frightening, and frighteningly handsome at the same time. It was every bit as frightening as his next words.

"I have a feeling we will be very good friends."

[akadinosan]

🗽 A tape plays on the highway to Manhattan & Ash Lynx recalls his wretched youth.

🍌 A Banana Fish (バナナフィッシュ) 80's themed playlist. 🐟

👉 Here is the link to the video - https://www.mediafire.com/file/d1u760yv3ky8628/On_the_Run_with_Ash_Lynx_-_A_Banana_Fish_Playlist.mp4/file

👉 Here is the mp3 Audio Only File - https://www.mediafire.com/file/jsmn4flmtahuf7c/On_the_Run_with_Ash_Lynx_-A_Banana_Fish_Playlist%2528Audio_Only%2529.mp3/file

(Youtube removed the video for copyright issues so this way the only way to make this possible!

All footage used belongs to my own personal bought collection.

Find me at: Instagram - @akadinosan_ Email - akadinosan@gmail.com

Song List:

Assault and Battery - Howard Jones

Walking in My Shoes - Depeche Mode

Brick City - Strange Names

Double Trouble - The Cars

E.S.T. - White Lies

Walking Away - Information Society

Gun - St. Lucia

Bigger Than Us - White Lies

To Live and Die in L.A. - Wang Chung

Assault and Battery - Howard Jones

The lives were taken For feasts at the table A life of misery Ending with a shock

Brutal murder (brutal murder) All hands to the slaughter Mass torture All hands to the knife

And I can hear the screams With the knife, the jolt, the wring They must follow in our dreams Carrying a twisted sting

Children's stories with their farmyard favourites At the table in a different disguise

Don't talk to me of health Or something someone else will do We're talking about the act Of taking life for me and you And I hear their screams

2. Walking in My Shoes - Depeche Mode

I would tell you about the things they put me through The pain I've been subjected to But the Lord himself would blush The countless feasts laid at my feet Forbidden fruits for me to eat But I think your pulse would start to rush

Now I'm not looking for absolution Forgiveness for the things I do But before you come to any conclusions Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes

[Chorus] You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes

Morality would frown upon Decency look down upon The scapegoat fate's made of me But I promise now, my judge and jurors My intentions couldn't have been purer My case is easy to see

I'm not looking for a clearer conscience Peace of mind after what I've been through And before we talk of any repentance Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes

[Chorus] You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes

Now I'm not looking for absolution Forgiveness for the things I do But before you come to any conclusions Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes

[Chorus] If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes (x2)

3. Brick City - Strange Names

Time won't travel In a ripple city The hours unravel When the nights get rid of me A systematic sin Of all the reveling The seconds wearing thin Brought what I said I'd bring

I got a hex on a handsome devil Who won't return my calls The second strings along But the bomb's already dropped Why do I feel so good Why do I feel so dry Was under the impression

Overtaken by a guise The wait's so slow It's like summer Like growing old Just an afterglow

[Chorus] I hit the wall 'Cause I can't work In a brick city In a brick city I'm gonna throw it all away 'Cause I can't stay In a brick city In a brick city

I can't find a match To compliment My psycho sequence Who acts that fragile Unless they're sinking I get a palm reading But what do they really know You're from a broken home And the going's slow

It's just a show

[Chorus]

Hit it out of the park A great place to start I know you'll wait for me there Don't sound the alarm I mean no harm Baby you ought to be careful Baby you ought to be careful

4. Double Trouble - The Cars

They got a line on you Little bit of trouble too You got some jets inside Cherry lips and delirious eyes

(Chorus) You get in trouble And it keeps you down Double trouble You get in trouble When you come to town Double trouble, oh yeah

They better chain your hands Spread some evil, pick and pan Hey, you sure got some jets inside But you got to live with those empty eyes

(Chorus)

You've got some jets inside Yeah, broken promises, broken pride

(Chorus x2)

5. E.S.T. - White Lies

If you tell me to jump then I'll die In my dreams I'm there I always hoped that I'd learn how to fly In my dreams I'm there

You can tie my hands to the walls But you can't tie my dreams to this place I might fall like a rock from your heart But you won't see me fall from grace

[Chorus] Fate always loses hope Like electric sparks in my heart Fate always loses hope Now be a good girl and do what you're told

If you tell me to jump then I'll die In my dreams I'm there I always hoped that I'd learn how to fly In my dreams I'm there

I leave my memoirs in blood on the floor And my fears with the nurse on the stairs I'm only going where you'll be some day So don't say rest in peace in your prayers

[Chorus]

(Bridge) I hope you remember me I hope you never pretend for me I hope you remember me I hope you…

[Chorus]

(Bridge x2)

6. Walking Away - Information Society

It is useless to resist us

Cold winds blow around me And I can't help but think of you All the things we wanted All the things we had to do

Wrap yourself around me We can steal away sometime Your whispers surround me But it's only in my mind

(Chorus) 'Cause I'm walking away from Walking away from things in my own past Walking away from Walking away from things that just won't last

You got what you wanted But you can't help but think of me All the things you wanted All the things you got for free

One thing to remember Is that I have feelings too I surely would have closed my eyes If I had known the real you

(Chorus) And I'm walking away from Walking away from things that move too fast

Let's go see x8

(Chorus x2)

7. Gun - St. Lucia

You said you wanted to feel A gun in your hands Aluminum and steel Measure the man

And in the distance you see A promised land Gilded with fire and gold We’ll stick with the plan

[Chorus] 'Cause is there something so wrong with wanting to run Through the dead of the night with my hair on fire 'Cause everyone does it Everyone’s got their eyes on the reasons

You said you wanted to feel The blood in your hands I guess it’s just my opinion At least we know where we stand Oh, but who is gonna believe you? Now that you’re back Into all the lies that we know? 'Cause this wolf is down

[Chorus]

Did you feel it now?

[Chorus x2]

8. Bigger Than Us - White Lies

You took the tunnel route home You'd never taken that way with me before Did you feel a need for change? Apologies on your fingernails Love flickered in the city of lights Like intermittent radio waves

I don't need your tears I don't want your love I've just got to get home

[Chorus] And I feel like I'm breaking up But I wanted to stay Headlights on the hillside Don't take me this way I don't want you to hold me I want you to pray This is bigger than us

You went where the horses cry You'd never taken that way with me before Did you feel a need for change? Guilt smeared across your lips I was tired and cold from the window You're tired nothing's changed

I don't need your tears I don't want your love I've just got to get home

[Chorus & Break]

[Chorus x3]

9. To Live and Die in L.A. - Wang Chung

In the heat of the day Every time you go away I have to piece my life together Every time you're away In the heat of the day In the dark of the night Every time I turn the light I feel that God is not in heaven In the dark of the night The dark of the night

(Chorus) I wonder why I live alone here I wonder why we spend these nights together Is this the room I'll live my life forever I wonder why in LA To live and die in LA

I wonder why we waste our lives here When we could run away to paradise But I am held in some invisible vise And I can't get away To live and die in LA

If I let myself go And for where I just don't know I'd maybe hit some cold new river That led out to the sea An unknown sea

I'd either swim or I'd drown Or just keep falling down and down I think its that, that makes me quiver Just to keep falling down Down, down, down

(Chorus)

In every word that you say I feel my freedom slip away I feel the bars come down around me And I can't get away I can't get away

(Chorus)

I wonder why we waste our lives here When we could run away to paradise But I am held in some invisible vise And I can't get away To live and die in LA

I can't get away To live and die in LA (x4)

[needs-to-stop-looking-at-yigas]

Shitposting aside, I'd kind of morbidly love to see Cil take Kohga on the worst date of his life, with fucking Arby's and then the most mediocre dicking ever in the backseat of Cil's shitty car 😂😂(and then Kohga wakes up screaming, it was all a horrible dream)

I won't do Arby's, because only Astor deserves that shit. BUT I'll give you everything else, let's go.

Dating Cil just. Made sense. He was his second hand, he was devoted, reasonably handsome. So...why did he absolutely NOT want to be here right now? It was a nice place, it was romantic. But...Kohga just wasn't having a good time. He looked at the paper crane in his hand, done in boredom as he waited for Cil to bring over their drinks.

"He's nice? He likes you. He's not awful. So what the fuck is up with you?"

Maybe it was the offering. He started off with an awful poem, talking about his hair and his hands. The intent was sweet, but calling his hair a 'fetching fuzzball' wasn't attractive. He thought about ditching, when Cil came back, drinks in hand.

"Sorry I took so long- the barkeep took far too long. Please, tell me if they messed it up."

Maybe it was the belittling. Sure, it was for his sake, but it made him want to hide his already masked face. He took a sip, and despite the fact that it was a bit weak, he nodded.

"No, it's fine. Please don't yell at them, they're trying. You scaring them won't help."

Kohga liked Cil. He was a precious friend. But when he wanted something romantic of him, he was like a whole different person. Cil put his hand on his as he looked at him, as if he was precious as hell.

"I'm sorry. I don't want anyone to ruin this. You deserve perfection. A perfect drink, perfect meal, perfect light...a perfect man."

He brought his hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. Sure it was sweet, but for the first date? He'd kill for him to pull it back, just a bit. He tried not to cringe at the feeling of his cold lips.

"I...that's sweet, Cil. Really, it is. But could you just. Reel it in a bit? You try a bit too hard, and I'd love for you to just. Act as if we're friends tonight, okay?"

Course Cil didn't get it. Why? Because he wanted to be more than just friends. He wanted a real romantic relationship, and was trying so hard to get it, it just blew up in his face. It was why Kohga wasn't surprised when he shook his head, grip a little tighter on his hand.

"No need to act so modest, Master Kohga. I understand you and I have had something for a while, and it makes you nervous. I understand-"

"Who had the fried eggs, and the banana fritters?"

Kohga had to clear his throat to keep Cil from being snippy. He took a breath, turning away from Kohga to look at her.

"I had the eggs, he had the bananas. You done interrupting, now?"

She looked confused, and Kohga shrugged apologetically. That seemed to be enough to console her, as she left the food with them. Kohga sighed, deciding to help himself. There was a moment of silence, with Kohga not sure how to talk to him when he was like this. Then Cil, by some miracle, threw a lifeline his way.

"You know, something funny happened yesterday. The mission at Kakariko village you sent me on?"

"To pick up those arrows we needed, yeah?"

"Well, I was a little embarrassed to admit this, but uh. I went to get them like you asked, and right when I go outside- a cucco landed on my head. A man tried to get him off but he REALLY didn't want to leave, so I decide I'LL do it. Then it decides to lay an egg, right on my damn head!"

That was enough for Kohga to laugh, picturing it now. His laughter was infectious, causing Cil to follow suit. Kohga smacked the table, feet stomping on the floor below.

"Guess you could say the yolk was on you!"

"Egg-celent joke, Master Kohga!"

Suddenly they were laughing together, putting their guts into it, just like old times. It made him feel young again, made him feel like he was in the past, with his parents. Then, he took it away again.

"You know, we really should get out of here. I think we deserve dessert."

Cil held onto his hands. He always felt comfortable around Cil, just. Not when he made it so obvious he wanted to get in his suit. Kohga never felt FORCED into sex with him, but there was this sort of awkward PRESSURE that just made Kohga concede. He tried to look enthusiastic, and somehow, Cil believed it. Cil paid for their meal (which they didn't get to finish, unfortunately), before walking them outside.

Next thing Kohga knew, him and Cil were back at the base. Not in his own room of course, but Cil's. It wasn't bad per se, but there were pictures of him there. Which wasn't rare to see, he was a stud afterall. What was weird, was the fact that...well. There was more than one. A LOT more than one. Some on the ceiling, some on the walls, there was even one tucked into the mirror's corner on the vanity. It. Was. Creepy. The next face he saw wasn't his own, but Cil's. He had taken off his mask (a rather bold move, and in a way Kohga appreciated the lack of formality), and was about to kiss his own mask, when he noticed Kohga was plenty uncomfortable.

"Is it the uh...pictures?"

"Yeah it's. Kinda the pictures. Could you at least take off the ones on the ceiling? Don't get me wrong, I know I'm fine, but I'm trying to fuck you, not...well, me."

Cil nodded in understanding, standing up on the bed and taking down the pictures on the ceiling. Kohga gave him a look over, gazing at the body he was working with. Cil had nice arms, a nice body, pretty alright legs, and a nice face. He wasn't an ugly guy, really.

"Better?"

"MUCH. Now come on, strip."

Cil obeyed. And Kohga wanted to C R Y. He knew Cil had a flat ass, and he was ready to forgive that, but his dick was...small. Super fucking small. Now don't get Kohga wrong, he had been with those who weren't 'well endowed' as some would put it, but never had he seen a blade Master with this sort of size. Yet Cil sat there, loud and proud.

"Enjoying the view, Master Kohga?"

Ganon, give him strength. He faked a smile, nodding.

"Uh, yep. Definitely. Totally."

Cil was so excited, he didn't notice that he was ABSOLUTELY lying. Kohga stripped himself, and he wasn't gonna lie, he was into the hungry look on his face. Maybe Cil knew what to do, despite his little tool. Cil definitely had the drive for it, given how his lips drifted from his neck, to his stomach. The way he cupped was definitely sweet.

"You're more beautiful than anything I've ever seen, Master Kohga. Thank you for gracing me with such a sight."

"Pfft, no wonder dad liked you. Always such a sentimental sap."

Cil chuckled, shaking his head

"You remember the time he made you go on a tea date with me?"

"And we snuck off to go mess with cuccos? And that one absolutely kicked your ass?"

"That bird was a scoundrel, it fought with dishonor."

They both snorted, and yet again, Kohga felt transported to his younger years. When stuff wasn't so...complicated. Then reality came back to him.

"Should I get some lube?"

"I uh. Think I can manage. I've had uh....practice."

He wanted to say 'bigger' instead of practice, but Kohga wasn't THAT much of a dick head. Cil nodded in understanding, cupping his face in his hands in order to kiss his mask.

"I love you, Master Kohga. Truly. I've wanted this for SO long."

"Yeah you uh...made that clear. You can put it in now."

"It...it IS in now?"

Cil looked at him with confusion, and Kohga thought he was fucking with him. He couldn't feel anything. But of course, he faked it, laughing to try to cover it up.

"I was kidding! Totally kidding! You're. In. Totally in. Just, keep going."

Cil did. Kohga felt the motions of his body against his, but not much else. Then it got worse. Because Cil was REALLY into it. So much into it, he started to whine in how good he felt. Not a cute whine, but a whine...kinda like an old creaky tire. Kohga had never been so flaccid than right now.

"Master Kohga?"

"Yes?"

"Say you love me."

"I...appreciate you."

"That's not I love you."

Kohga groaned into his hand. This was awful. Cil was so full of the idea of them as a couple, that he ignored the stuff that genuinely made him happy; his companionship.

"Say it."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because...Because-"

"Because WHY?"

"BECAUSE I DON'T LOVE YOU."

Kohga suddenly got up with a start. He was sitting there, panting something fierce. He was in his room now, in the darkness. He looked at the lump beside his bed, and carefully pulled the blanket up. Sooga. Plump ass and all. He sighed in relief. Sooga seemed to sense something was amiss, and forced himself to get up, turning to look at Kohga.

"Nightmare?"

"Y....yeah. A really...bad and weird one. Fucking hell."

"You wish to talk about it?"

"Not really, no."

"Can I help in any way?"

"...you too tired to do the no pants dance?"

Sooga sat up fully, stretching and yawning. He straddled Kohga's waist, nodding.

"Absolutely not. Especially since you command it be so."

Sooga took away their pesky clothes, before finding his dick right into Kohga's ass. Kohga arched his back, before relaxing in relief. MUCH better. He grabbed a hold of Sooga's ass, loving how much there was to hold.

"Someone missed me, I take it?"

"More than you know, Sooga. More than you know."

[thotsforvillainrights]

~Perfect Birthday~

Au: Kaishi

Part: twelve

Theme: Fluff? Comedy? Who knows lol

(These 2 are going on an adventure)

"Buttercream? No that wont do. Vanilla with a touch of banana or Strawberry? Shoot! What about...hmmm...." You focused on the ingredients so hard that you were developing a light headache. Meanwhile, your husband sat across from you at the kitchen table, scrolling through his laptop for themes and present ideas. "Y/N, just settle on chocolate and call it a day." Kai announced while his eyes hovered on a Circus theme. He shuddered lightly at the thought of animals being involved. 'Absolutely not' he thought to himself. You sighed and put the ingredients list down. "I cant settle on Chocolate. I'm worried that someone might have an allergy to it. I'm also so worried about the vegan adults that might be here. What about the picky eaters too? Kai, I feel like I'm going insane right now." You gripped the sides of the chair you sat on. He peeked up at you and notices your incoming distress. He sighed and stood up to move behind you. He softly gripped each of your shoulders and began to give you an impromptu massage. "Stop worrying so much about it so much, Angel. Just do chocolate cake since its the brat's favorite flavor. We can go with a vegan cupcake option that should be safe for the people with chocolate allergies as well. As for the others, there will be other food and even beverage options. You're working so hard for people I dont even care about. This is all for my son and no one else but him. His happiness is my only concern."

You sighed and reached up to place a hand on your husband before turning to smile sweetly at him. "Kai, you're being sweet today." You teased him and he scoffed. "Anyway, I know you only want to focus on Kaishi but having other kids here for the first time, other than Ishida, is like his dream come true. It took me a lot of time to get on the parents good sides. It took a lot of time for them to want to bring other kids around Kaishi because if the yakuza affiliations. Had it not been for the fact that you've began working into charity for the city, I dont think anyone would've given us a chance. Bow we have parent friends, and now Kaishi has a chance for an amazing birthday this year. Let's not mess this up, okay? That means NO EXCESSIVE GERMAPHOBIA, and NO ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR okay?" You drilled it home at the end. He sighed in annoyance. "Ugh fine. I'll try to conversate with the other scum as if they never insulted the yakuza before. You had better be lucky I appreciate you and Kaishi at this point or this wouldn't be happening." Kai complained before pulling his medical mask down and kissing you lightly on your lips. "You two are being icky again. I'm going to tell Grandpa on you guys." Kaishi's voice brought you two back to reality. "Oh hush, and mind your business." Kai said as he ruffled his son's short hair playfully. Kaishi giggled and swatted the gloved hand away. He took a seat at the kitchen table next to Kai's laptop and peeked over to see what was on the screen. While you went to fix him some oatmeal, his father bolted to the seat and slapped the laptop closed. "No peeking. Havent you any manners?" Kai fussed lightly while Kaishi smiled. "Its okay daddy, I already know you two are planning my birthday for tomorrow." The boy said proudly. "That may be so, but it doesnt mean we cant at least surprise you with the decorations and food." Kai explained. You placed breakfast in front of Kaishi and sat down with your boys. Pops had just entered the kitchen at this point. "Family breakfast? Dont mind if I do." He smiled and took a seat next to you. "Grandpa, what will you give me for my birthday?" Kaishi asked excitedly. Kai flicked his cheek. "Dont be rude brat, respect your elders." He scolded him as Pops laughed. "Oh calm down, Chisaki my boy. My grandson is very calm at this age compared to how you used to act." Pops said with a smirk as you laughed and Kai blushed lightly with embarrassment. "Anyway, my Grandchild your gift will have to remain a surprise until tomorrow." Pops winked and Kaishi groaned. "Aw man. Well, mom/dad? What will you get me?" He turned to look at you in anticipation. You put a finger to your chin to think for a second. Then you snapped and made an 'Ah-Ha' expression. "I'm going to get you a fancy suit! Maybe I'll get some toys too. Just maybe, you'll have to wait and see." You teased him and he smiled. "Daddy, what about you?" He looked at Kai for an answer. "Just like Pops said, it will be a surprise. However, I'll take the time now to ask you what you want as a gift from all of us. It'll serve separately from the gifts we'll get you so dont worry." Kai watched his son expectantly as Kaishi searched his little mind. Seconds later he piped up excitedly:

"SMOOGLY!!!" He shouted happily and raised his arms dramatically in the air. You and Pops laughed while Kai tilted his head in confusion. "Smoo-what? Are you well? Are you speaking in tongues???" Kaishi giggled at his father's confusion. You turned towards Kai to explain. "Kai, Smoogly is a character from Kaishi's favorite show. He's this giant lollipop that dances and sings. Yknow, kids love that stuff." Kai stared at you for a second before nodding. Then he turned his attention back to Kaishi eating breakfast finally. "Alright then, you want Smoogly then that's what you'll get." After breakfast, Kaishi went to call Ishida on the phone. You monitored in awe, gushing as your baby talked to his little crush over the phone. The two were fast friends, and she was the first/only child in the class to accept and support Kaishi to the fullest degree. Meanwhile, Pops went to the backyard to water the flowers and feed the Koi in the pond. Kai headed out to the car to call Kurono/pick him up. "Chrono, I know I've given you the off day but I need a favor." Kai spoke on the car wireless phone while he drove. "Yeah man, what's up?" Hari answered from the other side. He was currently face deep in a 3rd bag of chips as he reclined on his sofa. "The brat's birthday is tomorrow and it's his first big one with other parents and children expected to be there. He wants some actor there to perform or something. Some thing called Smogie or Smothly or something like that."

"OHHHHH!!!! You're talking about Smoogly!" Hari shouted excitedly, his voice boomed over the car speakers. "Yeah whatever that mess is. Anyway, help me track him down and I'll give you tomorrow off to repay you from today. You can also have some leftover cake." Kai offered him. "Bet!" Kurono answered shortly before hanging up and getting ready. In moments Kai was at his door to retrieve him. The two men drove around for a bit while Kurono did some searching online. Lucky for him, it wasn't that hard to find Smoogly's booking information. "Found it, Kai. It says here that we can email and make a down payment, or call the home offices for a response in about...14 days." Kai almost slammed on the breaks. "14 days??? No that's not possible for a booking that could be denied. My Kaishi's birthday is tomorrow. We need to get this Smoogly there as soon as possible." He felt a bit of panic set in. Kai would never forgive himself if he couldn't get his son's biggest wish for his birthday. "Hey man chill. We'll just go to his office and speak to him directly. I mean, we've got a little pull when it comes to money. Also, we're yakuza so..."

"I know what you're thinking Chrono, and the answer is no. We cant push too many buttons or we'll end up leaving the gray area in which we operate in. I cant afford to get arrested on Kaishi's birthday." Hari rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Whatever man. Just take a left onto the main freeway and we should reach the exit in like 30 minutes. After that, we just follow the main road for 4 more minutes, take a right at the stop light, and turn off the Broadway drive. Smoogly's office should be right between a steak restaurant and a car dealership." Hari explained the directions. Kai nodded and the two were on their way. Once they made it to the offices, they took a number and sat in the waiting room. The wait wasnt uncomfortable to Kai...it was the old man across from them that kept coughing that made him uncomfortable. He felt hives pop up on his arms. Luckily the two were called before he went insane! Only minutes later they were standing before a chubby man smoking a cigarette behind a desk. He had dark hair, and was balding right in the middle of his head. His skin was just a step away from being super pale (no doubt because he had the costume on a lot) His noticable feature was the large mole on his cheek. He was clearly a foreigner from some city somewhere, thanks to his accent.

(!!!Reader, think about Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force!!!)

"Alright, what can I do for you two men? Wait a minute, you two are the tax guys right?"

"Uhhh, no. No we're here to inquire about an opening to hire you? The pay will of course be-"

"Yeah yeah yeah. Pay doubled blah blah. I've heard this a million times before. I get bastards like you that come in here every single day asking to pay extra just so I can come to your event. The moms are even worse since they also think they're entitled to my services." The chubby man interrupted Kai. "Please. It's my son's birthday. You see, this birthday is special because he's never had-"

"Pshhh...yeah buster, you're kid is special. Just like everyone else that's come in here before you to say the same thing. Bottom line is that I ain't doing it. If you want my services than file through email or take it up with the front desk. Deposits non-refundable if you get denied. Have a nice day." He put out the cigarette and picked up a rather inappropriate nude magazine. Kai looked at Chrono and sighed as if to say Hari can take over. Hari smiled darkly and went to approach the desk. The chubby man hadn't looked up from the magazine as he spoke. "Look man, I said piss off. What, you didnt get the picture the first time or-" he immediately froze and turned his attention to Hari when he heard the click of the gun. When he turned, he was staring down the glock.

Hari spoke up darkly. "Hey buddy, I'm a changed man but that doesn't mean shit is sweet. I've killed a dozen people before and I'm not afraid to go to prison. Either you do my nephews birthday party tomorrow, or we wear your face on a memorial T-Shirt. Fuck is it gonna be? Eh???" The man gulped and shakily reached his finger out to the voice machine on his desk. "Deborah cancel all my appointments tomorrow, I've got a birthday to go do." Hari and Kai smiled when they heard the voice reply 'Right away, sir.' They bid the man goodbye and left the office. The next day, Kaishi rushed to the backyard after taking a quick shower and getting ready. It was decorated beautifully with bounce houses, a splash area, party games, an extensive food/present table, swings, slides, etc. Most importantly, the parents actually showed up with their kids. Kaishi almost cried tears of happiness when he finally had friends to play with. Meanwhile, you and Pops chatted with the other parents until Smoogly arrived to perform. The kids absolutely loved every bit! Every once in a while, the Lollipop turned to look at Kurono standing in the corner, smirking menacingly and daring him to slip up just once. Smoogly quickly turned around and kept performing. At the end of his shift, he was paid extra just as Kai promised, and Kaishi got to take a picture with him. Finally it came time for presents. Kaishi was happy to receive so many gifts, but he was more eager to get his gifts from you, Kai, and Pops (even Hari got him a secret gift at the last minute). Kaishi smiled at the wooden box Pops had given him. When he opened it, it revealed a small pin on a soft cushion. It was shiny and brand new. It was the symbol of the Hassaikai, the infamous flower design. "My grandson, when your father was younger I had given him this very same gift. Please be sure to take good care of it." He gently placed a hand on Kaishi's head. The boy nodded excitedly and passed the box for you to hold while he opened up the remaining gifts. It was a surprise jacket from you to him. It was just a smaller version of Kai's jacket! Plus that suit you promised, and a few other Smoogly themed toys as well. From Hari, he recieved a new helmet for his new bike. Finally from Kai he received a matching mask. With the suit and the jacket, he was the matching embodiment of his very on father (aside from inheriting some of your skin tone depending on your color, my dear reader).

This was truly the perfect birthday.

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TIp Jar: https://cash.app/$YuTakeyama