#tried experimenting with rendering and stuff a lil bit with this one

[vcaart]

How do you feel about the hc of Shuichi with acne? :3

Nobody can tell me this anxiety ridden mess DOESNT have acne from stress and touching his face all the damn time

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers VANDEAD CARNIVAL ;; Present from Mukami [PART 1]

ー The scene starts in Yui’s bedroom

Yui: Today’s Christmas Eve, huh...?

( When I was still living with Father, we were always extremely busy during this time of year with preparations for the Christmas Mass. )

( We would decorate the church for the Mass...or make tons of sweets to hand out to the children as gifts... )

( Somehow that feels like part of a distant past now... )

Haah...

ー Kou enters the room

Kou: Heya~! M-neko-chan~!

Yui: ...Kou-kun?

Kou: No need to act so surprised, right? What’s wrong? You seem kind of down?

Yui: Um, could you please knock on the door before entering? I’d really appreciate it...

Kou: Eh~~? Why bother going through the extra trouble?

Besides, I live here, remember? My house, my rules, no?

Yui: H-Hm...That might be the case, but...

( I have a feeling he won’t understand... )

So, why are you here? Is there anything you need from me...?

Kou: Hm~~? I only came to hang out because I was bored~

Yui: I see. Are you off from work today?

Kou: Exactly! Today’s my first free day in a long time!

Anyway, more importantly, M-neko-chan. You were talking about how it’s Christmas Eve today earlier...Right?

Yui: Yeah...I had a bit of an ‘oh, right!’ moment.

Kou: ‘Oh, right’...? You’re talking as if you only just noticed.

Yui: Yeah...But I really did recall only now. It totally slipped my mind...

Kou: To think you’d forget about such an important event! Is everything okay, M-neko-chan?

Yui: I mean, you guys don’t celebrate Christmas, do you?

Kou: Hmー Well, we’re Vampires after all. We obviously don’t feel like celebrating it, nor are we interested.

Yui: ...Figured as much. There aren’t any Christmas decorations inside the house either...

Besides, I haven’t gone out much as of late either...

Kou: Now that you mention it, you’ve just been going back and forth between here and school without making any additional stops, huh?

If you were to head out, you’d discover that the whole city is in a Christmas mood. 

There really is no way to look past it, whether you like it or not...

Yui: Yeah, but I haven’t gotten a chance to go look...So I completely forgot...

Kou: Hmー...

Ah, say, M-neko-chan? How have you spent your Christmas Eve in the past?

Yui: Eh...?

Kou: I mean, I don’t know how normal families celebrate the holidays.

Yui: Hm...Right. My personal experience might be a little different from the standard though.

Kou: Heeh? In what way?

Yui: You know that my Father works as a Priest, right?

Kou: Ahー I feel like I heard that somewhere before.

Yui: We hold a Mass at church on Christmas day, so we have to prepare for that the night before.

Kou: Prepare? Like the Christmas lights they put up in town?

Yui: Yeah. Ours weren’t quite as elaborate, of course.

On the day of the Mass, the visitors light a candle, take a seat and pray...

Then afterwards we read passages from the Bible.

At the very end, someone will play the orgle and everyone sings together.

It creates such a lovely medley of singing voices...I loved that part.

Kou: Hmm, I see...But is that actually fun?

Yui: Yeah, it is. It is an important day to me after all.

( It’s a day full of memories of the time I spent with Father as well, after all... )

Kou: Hmー So that’s how it is. I mean, I don’t really understand but...Oh, I know!

The other day, this one person at work told me that Christmas Eve is a special day you should spend with your lover. (1)

Have you ever spent Christmas Eve with a special someone before?

Yui: No...I was always helping out for the Mass at Church after all...

Kou: I see...

ー Ruki enters the room

Ruki: The two of you are making a ruckus. At least close the door when you’re talking.

Yui: Ah, Ruki-kun...Yuma-kun and Azusa-kun as well. What’s the matter?

Yuma: We just happened to run into each other in the hallway. Ya guys were talkin’ hella loud.

Yui: S-Sorry...

Azusa: Eve and Kou...The two of you seemed to be having a fun chat.

Kou: Really? It wasn’t anything special though.

Ruki: Anyway, Kou, come with me. Livestock, you stay in your room.

Yui: S-Sure...

Kou: Eh~~...? Oh well, whatever. I got to learn something new at least.

See you later, M-neko-chan~!

ー The four of them leave

Yui: They left...

( Somehow it suddenly got quiet. )

( ...Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded talking for a little longer... )

ー The scene shifts to the living room

Kou: ...Say, say, Ruki-kun. Why don’t the four of us throw a Christmas party?

Ruki: Haah...I was wondering what you would bring up all of a sudden.

Kou: I mean, M-neko-chan seemed kind of sad, you see~

She was raised at a Church, right?

So it seems like Christmas and such brings back a lot of memories for her.

Yuma: So that’s what the two of ya were talkin’ ‘bout earlier, huh?

Azusa: ...Say, what is...Christmas?

Kou: Ah, are you interested, Azusa-kun?

Christmas itself is on the 25th of December and the day before that is called ‘Christmas Eve’.

It’s the day on which they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ~

Azusa: Heeh, then...Today is the 24th so it’s...Christmas Eve...right?

Kou: Exactlyー! So I was thinking we could hold a little celebration?

Ruki: Azusa, did you not celebrate Christmas back when you were still human?

Azusa: ...We did not have that kind of celebration...

Ruki: How about you, Yuma?

Yuma: Hmー... Now that ya mention it, I do feel as if the city was a lil’ more lively ‘round this time of year...I think...?

I might have celebrated it back when I was a child, but I forgot.

Kou: I’m pretty sure my answer should be obvious but...Ah, you must have celebrated it, right, Ruki-kun?

Ruki: Well, yes.

Kou: Makes sense. You are a rich boy after all~

Azusa: Say, Ruki? How exactly do you celebrate it...?

Ruki: You decorate the inside of the house, say your prayers to God and enjoy a meal with the whole family.

There’s special foods and snacks which are only enjoyed on that particular day of year...

Also, you would exchange presents...I suppose that about sums it up.

Azusa: ...Exchanging presents...I honestly don’t care about the exchanging part. I’d much rather just be on the receiving end of all the punches...

Kou: Ahaha...Putting your wishes aside for a second...

Don’t you want to try and hold a Christmas party?

We’ve never really done something like that with the whole family, right? Come on, why not?

Ruki: Family, huh...?

Yuma: That bein’ said, Vampires celebratin’ the birth of Christ is kinda fucked up, no?

Kou: Should we not? Do you think he’ll be upset with us?

Ruki: ...Well, while I doubt he will be thrilled about it, that man has connections to the Church of his own, so he might understand in a sense.

I doubt he will condemn us if we hold a small celebration at home.

Kou: Right~? In that case, let’s get this party rolling~!

Ruki: Yuma, Azusa. What do you two think?

Yuma: ...Ahー...

Azusa: ...

Yuma: Oi, Kou. The Sow’s havin’ a rough time, right?

Kou: Yeah, she is.

Azusa: I...personally don’t care much about the party itself but...I don’t want...Eve to be sad...

Yuma: Nnー Well, it’s not really for her sake, but I don’t see any harm in doin’ this sorta stuff for once?

Ruki: ...

Kou: Fufu~ In that case, we just need permission from Ruki-kun...~!

Ruki: Haah...You’ll all be helping out, including during the clean-up, understood?

Yuma: Oh! Which means...

Ruki: Exactly...I suppose it will make for a nice change of pace.

We haven’t really spent much time together as a family up until now after all.

Furthermore, pleasing Livestock is part of our duty as her masters.

Kou: Hooray~~!!

In that case, we need to get started with all of the preparations!

Azusa: ...

Ruki: Oi, Azusa. Where are you going?

Azusa: I figured I’d go...tell Eve that we’ve decided to hold a party...

Kou: Eh!? You’re going to tell her?

Yuma: Aah? Should we not?

Kou: Hmー Don’t you think this is a perfect chance to make it a surprise?

Yuma: Surprise...? The fuck’s that?

Ruki: It means to catch them by surprise. In other words, you keep it a secret until the very second they arrive at the party...

Kou: I’m sure she’ll be ten times happier than if she already knew about the party beforehand!

I’m an idol, remember?

So I’ve had people throw a surprise birthday party for me before. 

I felt so happy back then!

Yuma: Hm. Is that how it works? Well, fine by me.

Ruki: Azusa, you’ve heard us. You don’t need to go inform her.

Azusa: Mmh. Understood...

Kou: Hmー Holding a Christmas party is fine and all but...

Yuma: The problem’s how to prepare for it. We need to decorate the place, but I have no fuckin’ clue which decorations to pick.

Azusa: I wonder what kind of...dishes we should serve...?

Kou: Let’s leave that part to Ruki-kun.

Ruki: Right. Just leave the cooking up to me. Which leaves...

ー The scene shifts to Yui’s bedroom

Yui: ( Hm...It’s a little chilly in here... )

( I’m pretty sure quite some time has passed since the others left as well. I wonder what they’re up to...? )

( Right. I suppose I’ll check up on them while I go grab myself a hot beverage. )

ー The scene shifts to the hallway

Yui: ...

Kou: Let’s leave that part to Ruki-kun.

Ruki: Right. Just leave the cooking up to me. Which leaves...

Yui: ( Ah...Kou-kun and Ruki-kun’s voices... )

( I wonder what they’re talking about...? )

Excuse meーー

ー The scene shifts to the living room

Ruki: ...Oh...

Kou: Eh? M-neko-chan!?

Yuma: ...Ya sure have the worst timin’, huh...?

Yui: Eh!? I’m sorry. Should I not have come in...?

Azusa: No, it’s fine...We were just talking about throwing you a surprise Christmas party

Yui: Eh...?

Kou: Waiーー!! Azusa-kun! What are you saying!?

Azusa: I mean...It’s not like we can still cover it up at this point. If we try and hide it...We’ll only end up making her uncomfortable. ...Right?

Ruki: Yes, Azusa, you are absolutely right. We could have always sent her back to her room, but I’m sure she would have been worried about us secretly scheming something behind her back.

If we upset her, we’re basically rendering our intentions null.

Yuma: Haah, I mean, that’s true but...We could have at least tried to keep it a secret...

Kou: Haah...Guess there’s no point now...

ーー And with that being said, we shall now commence with the preparations of the Mukami family’s very own Christmas party~!

Yui: Eh...!? We’re holding a Christmas party together!?

Yuma: That’s what we said earlier, remember? Are yer ears still workin’?

Yui: No, they are but...I’m just shocked...

I’m just wondering if it’s okay for you all to celebrate Christmas even though you’re Vampires?

Ruki: You don’t need to worry about that.

Kou: Exactly! Don’t fret over the small details~!

Are you not happy? You get to celebrate with us!

Yui: Of course I am...! I’m just surprised, that’s all.

Kou: I don’t think there’s any time to be surprised though? We have to hurry up and  prepare or Christmas will be here before we know it!

Yui: Ah, right!

Kou: Okayー! Let’s get started with these preparations right away!

Azusa: Eve...We’ve never held a proper party before...Can you tell us what we should do...?

Kou: First off, it’d be a great help if you could give us some pointers on how to decorate the house.

Yui: Well, we have to make actual decorations first...

Ruki: I assume it would be much quicker to just head to the store rather than explaining it here first.

Yuma: Good point. I doubt I’ll understand from some explanation alone.

Azusa: ...Yeah...

Ruki: There you have it. We are heading out at once.

Yui: Sure!

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the department store

Yui: ( I never thought I’d one day go shopping with all of the guys like this... )

( That alone counts as a Christmas miracle. )

Yuma: Whatcha been grinnin’ ‘bout this whole time?

Yui: Ah, right. I’m just so happy we’re all able to go shopping like this...

Yuma: Heh, you’re gonna find yerself lost ‘gain if ya keep yer head in the clouds like that. Wouldn’t be the first time after all.

Yui: I...I’ll be careful.

Kou: Fufufu, so you’re aware of it at least.

Yui: Y-Yeah...

( It’s not that I actually walk away by myself though... )

Ruki: The food’s next on the list, huh? Oi, is there anything in particular you’d like to eat?

Azusa: ...I’d like something doused in plenty of red chili powder...

Ruki: ...Azusa, let’s try and stick to Christmas food this time.

Azusa: ...Fine...

But what exactly is ‘Christmas food’...?

Ruki: Hm...

Yuma: ...We don’t know if our personal preferences fit the holiday spirit after all.

So shouldn’t we just leave that choice up to the Sow?

Kou: Exactly. That’s why we called her over, so the two of you should talk it over and make a quick decision.

Ruki: ...I suppose it cannot be helped. That seems like the most time-efficient solution. 

Livestock, what did your family eat for Christmas?

Yui: Let’s see...I suppose Turkey or Roast Beef are both staples on any Christmas dinner table!

Ruki: You’re only naming meat...

Yui: Of course, we eat salad as well? Mixing in vegetables cut into cute shapes and such...

Yuma: The fuck does that mean? All veggies are the same, right?

Yui: You can use cutters to shape them like hearts or stars. I guess you’ll get an idea if we go to the deli counter...?

Yuma: Ready-made dishes?

Yui: Ah, I didn’t mean we have to buy anything, but I figured we could gather some inspiration.

Yuma: Geez, I thought ya were gonna take the easy way out. It’s a party after all.

So we’re obviously gonna make everythin’ at home from scratch, right?

Yui: Yeah! Of course.

Ruki: I suppose it’ll give us an idea of what we can make. Well then, let’s go buy the ingredients first.

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: I’m glad we got our hands on some delicious-looking meat!

Ruki: Yes. I’m looking forward to preparing it.

Yui: ( I managed to buy everything I need for the cake as well, so I’ll try my best at making it! )

( I hope they’ll like it... )

Kou: Say, let’s go pick out a tree next! The biggest one they have!

Yuma: Geez, are ya a lil’ kid or somethin’?

Yui: Fufu, you’re interested in decorating it, right?

Kou: I mean, it’s all sparkly and pretty, right? Just like me, no?

Azusa: Let’s buy lots of star-shaped decorations...

Kou: Come on, Azusa-kun. Don’t ignore me.

Azusa: Eh...? Ah, yeah...Sorry...

Yui: Do you like stars, Azusa-kun?

Azusa: Yeah...They’ve got these sharp and pointy ends...So I’m sure they’d hurt a lot...

Yui: S-So that’s why...

Ruki: Azusa, you better not think of tainting those stars with your blood.

Kou: Exactly! Today’s Christmas after all, a day you are meant to enjoy with your family!

Well then~ Which one to buy?

ー Kou runs off

Ruki: Oi, Kou. Don’t run off by yourself. 

I won’t allow for any extra purchases. We’ll only buy the necessities.

Kou: Eeeeeh~? Whaaat~? You cheapskate!

Ruki: I don’t mind being a cheapskate. This is important money we’ve received from that man.

I can’t be wasteful with it.

Kou: Well, I get where you’re coming from but...

Yui: ( Everyone seems to be having fun. )

( Like this, it almost seems like we’ve become an actual family... )

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: Phew, we bought more than I anticipated.

Yuma: That’s ‘cause Kou kept on wantin’ to buy all this shit, right?

Kou: Eeh~? You’re blaming me? Fufu, I won’t deny it. However, we didn’t buy anything we didn’t need, right?

Yuma: I mean, we didn’t, I guess...

Ruki: Let’s go over everything one more time. Is this pretty much everything we need for the tree and decorations...?

Yui: Yeah! We’re all set!

Yuma: We’ve got the vegetables I grew at home as well, so this should do.

Kou: Aah~ We’re actually celebrating Christmas. I can’t wait!

Ruki: Kou, you’re being way too excited. Mind your manners.

Kou: Oh come on, let me be! I never got to experience this as a child after all!

Yuma: Well then, we’re gonna be busy once we get home~!

Yui: Speaking of which...Where did Azusa-kun...? Ah, there he is!

( I wonder why he’s just standing there? )

Azusa: Say, Ruki...

Ruki: ...? What’s the matter?

Azusa: I want this knife...

Yui: K-Knife...?

( Why is he holding a knife...? )

Kou: Hold up, Azusa-kun, where did you get that?

Azusa: ...Why not? I want this to give me pain... 

Yui: A-Azusa-kun! What are you saying...!?

Ruki: Azusa, go return it to the store.

Azusa: Please? ...The shape of this blade is so pretty, and it looks very sharp as well...

Ruki: No means no. Azusa, you have to put it back where you found it.

Azusa: No way....But I want it so badly...I can’t give up on it...

Yui: Azusa-kun...

Azusa: ...Come on, I want it, no matter what...

Kou: Azusa-kun! You don’t need a knife on a fun day like this!

Azusa: No...This is special...

Yui: ( What to do? Azusa-kun’s not giving in at all. )

Yuma: Oi, at this rate we’ll never make it back home.

Azusa: Then...Can we buy it?

Yuma: Just listen to Ruki for today. Ya can buy that crap whenever, right?

Azusa: ...

Yuma: God, listen up...

Ruki: Azusa.

Yui: ( O-Oh no...Ruki-kun started getting angry as well. )

U-Um, Azusa-kun...

Yuma: Ya stay out of this.

Yui: B-But...

Yuma: Geez, guess it can’t be helped. I’ll go bring it back with him.

Ruki: My bad, Yuma.

Yuma: Yeah. ...Come on, Azusa, let’s go.

Azusa: ...No.

*Rustle*

Yui: Ah! Yuma-kun! If you grab him by his collar like that, you’ll hurt him....

Azusa: Ah...It hurts...I can barely breathe...Haah...Amazing...Uu...

Yui: ( A-Azusa-kun is...happy? )

Ruki: Azusa, don’t cause Yuma too much trouble, okay?

Azusa: Yeah...

Yuma: Che! Ya say that but you’re already bein’ a pain in the ass! Come on, walk by yerself already!

Azusa: Nn, but...It’s suffocating...

Yuma: That’ll fix itself if ya just use yer own damn legs, no?

Azusa: It’d rather stay like this a little longer.

Yui: ( He’ll be okay, right? Yuma-kun’s with him after all... )

ー Yuma walks away with Azusa

Ruki: Let’s go. We’ll head back first and get everything ready.

ー Ruki starts walking away

Yui: Eh? Don’t we need to wait for them?

Kou: Yuma-kun may be with him, but knowing Azusa-kun...

Yui: ...?

Kou: Azusa-kun has a hard time letting go of things once they pique his interest.

Yui: I see...

( It might take a while until they get back... )

I hope it won’t turn into a fight.

Kou: Hmー I guess that’ll depend on Azusa-kun’s behavior?

Ruki: What are you two doing? Let’s go.

Kou: Roger~!

Yui: ( Yuma-kun’s actually quite good at looking after others, so we can leave this up to him, right...? )

*TIMESKIP*

 ー The scene shifts to the living room

Kou: Phew~ These were so heavyー

Ruki: Good grief, I’m exhausted...

Yui: ( We’ve got quite a lot of bags... )

Ruki: Well then, we’ve got no time to lose. Let’s start preparing.

If we procrastinate for too long, we’ll only waste time.

I’m heading towards the kitchen to get started on the food.

Kou: Gotcha~!

Guess I’ll get started with the decorations then.

Ruki: We’re counting on you.

Kou: Roger!

Yui: Ruki-kun, I’ll help out as well!

Ruki: Yeah, that would be great.

Kou: I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll make for us!

Yui: Mmh! I’ll try my best to make something delicious, okay?

*THUD*

Yuma: Honestly, I went through fuckin’ hell and back!

I’m never cleanin’ up Azusa’s mess again!

Yui: S-Sounds like they’re back. He seems really upset though. I wonder what happened...?

Ruki: I assume Azusa threw one of his stubborn tantrums. Oi, Livestock.

Yui: Y-Yes!

Ruki: Go pass on this message to them. Please tell them they should get started with their own tasks.

Yui: Yeah, sure. I’ll go tell them.

ー The scene shifts to the hallway

Yui: Welcome back, you two.

Azusa: If I don’t get that knife, I’ll...I’ll...

Yuma: Aah, let it go already! What’s so damn nice ‘bout that knife anyway!?

Azusa: ...

Yui: ( Seems like they don’t even realize I’m here. )

( That being said, if I leave them be, they’ll run late with their preparations. )

Um, you guys! Welcome back!

Azusa: ...Wah...You startled me.

Yuma: Aah? The fuck, Sow? You’ve been standin’ there this whole time? 

Yui: Yeah...Um, Ruki-kun has already started preparing everything, so he’d like the two of you to help out as well. 

Azusa: But, the knifeーー

Yuma: Ya really don’t know when to give up, huh? We’re done talkin’ ‘bout that!

Azusa: ...You blockhead.

Yuma: Speak for yerself!!

Yui: ( O-Oh no... )

( I can’t leave things like this. I have to stop them somehow... )

U-Um!!

Azusa-kun, Kou-kun has started on the decorations, so can I rely on you to help him with that?

Azusa: ...

Yui: Both me and Yuma-kun understand very well just how badly you want that knife...

But we have to get on with the Christmas preparations now, so I’d really appreciate it if you could help out...

Azusa: ...What about you?

Yui: Eh?

Azusa: What will you do?

Yui: I’m going to make the Christmas cake.

Azusa: ...Okay. I want to try your cake, so I’ll forget about the knife...For a while, at least...

Yuma: ‘For a while’, my ass! Forget ‘bout that thing forever!

Yui: Shh, calm down, Yuma-kun.

Azusa: I’ll go help Kou then.

Yui: Yeah, good luck.

ー Azusa walks away

Yuma: Heh. You’re really startin’ to get the hang of how to handle that guy, huh?

Yui: Y-You think so...?

Yuma: Well, whatever. Anyway, Ruki’s already in the kitchen, ya said?

Yui: Yeah, I think he’s getting everything ready to start cooking.

Yuma: I’ll go get some veggies from the garden then.

Yui: Ah, Yuma-kun! Could you maybe let me have some fruit to use for the cake?

Yuma: Roger. I’ll make sure to grab a few, so ya get yer ass over to the kitchen ‘kay?

Yui: Yeah, thanks!

ー Yuma walks away as well

Yui: Well then...

( I’ll try my best to bake the best cake ever as well! )

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) While the holidays are often associated with family in the West, Christmas and especially Christmas Eve are strongly linked to couples in Japan. 

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[ Part 2 ] →

[howlingwind]

RIVER SELINA MARSHALL who strongly resembles OLIVIA HOLT, has been spotted in Pandæmonium. The CISFEMALE is a EIGHTEEN year old INHUMAN, and has been in Pandæmonium for TWO WEEKS. I hear they’re KIND & DARING and HEADSTRONG & MOODY. If you’re lucky you may catch them working at PHANTOM PARK as a GAME HOSTESS or at NYU as a STUDENT. 

younger sister to rory & reese marshall. middle child of the six total siblings.

lovingly referred to as the moody middle marshall.

absolutely adores her older siblings, roreo & reese’s pieces, annoying big sis to the “lil rye’s” as she calls them.

she’s an inhuman with empathic (emotional) powers and atmoskinesis (steam manipulation). was never in very good control of them in the first place but the big life change of moving to pandemonium as made them even more out of control.

developed her powers at the same time as reese & rory despite being states apart. (more on this below)

loves saunas, okay? loves em. she wishes she could spend her whole life in the sauna.

also fond of partying, video games, and comic books. when she was little, river used to always sneak and read reese’s comics when he was done with them, but she’d deny ever having touched them. she’d also pester rory to play video games with her practically nonstop. 

she discovered her love for partying in high school after reese and rory had already graduated and left. now she was the oldest sibling in the house but the lil rye’s were much closer with each other than her, so she had this sort of lonesome independence thing going on that made her seek out ways to not feel so alone. she ended up always attending the parties the richer, more popular kids threw, and it was one of the few times she’d really let her hair down. mostly thanks to an abundance of weed, booze, and the occasional drop of acid. while she’s definitely beginning to settle down a bit, at the time the partying did help her cope with the loneliness and get through the difficulties of managing her new powers.

freshman at nyu, majoring in psychology, minoring in creative writing.

game hostess at phantom park because what’s a better job for an empath than being near the most excited, happy little kids ever, and giving them prizes for winning at a game and making them feel even more over the moon?? she practically gets high on happiness the whole time she’s at work lol

keeps a diary, a dream journal, and a separate journal dedicated to her writing.

pretty new to her powers, so even the stuff she’s “good” at, she’s not really good at. (aka if she had any decent control over this shit she’d be way op so she’s gotta be clueless)

empathy:

heightened emotions — experiences every emotion far more intensely than most people.

emotion detection — can sense or interpret a person’s emotions, and experience them herself. best controlled and most precise through touching another person, although river can also get a more general sense of a person’s emotions by just being in their general vicinity.

emotion projection — river can make a person feel what she’s feeling. with more experience, she would even be able to project specific emotions that she’s not feeling at the time. however, she’s not very skilled at this technique and will often fail if she tries.

empathic echoes — can send or receive glimpses or flashes of mental imagery associated with a memory or past event.

empathic inundation — overwhelms a target with a flood of emotion that can render them unconscious or even cause aneurysms depending on the strength/severity. river has not experimented with this yet. 

lie detection — lying causes slight changes in emotion, and river can pick up on this if she’s focused. however, she’s inexperienced at this, and the more comfortable and experienced the person is at lying, the more likely it is that the lie will go undetected by her.

clairvoyant empathy — after forming a strong emotional bond with someone, river is able to innately sense their emotion, location, and sense whether or not they’re in danger, even across great distances. she has a bond like this with each of her siblings, and it’s that bond that allowed her to sense what was happening to rory & reese as they underwent their torture and terrigenisis, and awaken her own powers.

empathic conversion — an empath with enough skill, training, and experience can essentially overwrite another person’s emotions and desires into anything they’d like, most commonly to create a loyal follower to carry out their will. unfortunately (or perhaps just fortunately), river has none of the above and is currently incapable of this.

empathic combat — with training, river could theoretically use empathy to her advantage in combat by predicting attacks through her opponent’s emotional state and instincts, or by using emotion projection or empathic inundation as her own form of attack.

atmoskinesis – steam manipulation

whereas empathy is something innate and automatic, steam manipulation is not. thus, river is not very skilled with these techniques, and would likely fail to perform most of these at all.

heat generation / boiling — river can create heat, but as far as she’s aware, can only increase the temperature of water molecules.

steam generation & calo-hydrokinesis — using the powers of heat and water manipulation in conjunction, river can control steam and even create it from water. she cannot use her heat or water powers individually. she can only control the heat levels in water, and to control water, it must first be made hot enough to enter a gaseous state.

geyser creation — can create blasts and eruptions of steam from bodies of water, big or small.

steam constructs — can create object shaped constructs out of steam, the way a water manipulator can for example create a trident out of water, or an air manipulator can create a spinning ball of air.

steam based telekinesis — can use steam to propel herself or other objects into the air, as if in flight, or “surf” on the water by heating the surface into steam.

asphyxiation & internal boiling — can asphyxiate a victim by filling their lungs with steam. can boil a victim from the inside by heating the blood and other water molecules in their body. obviously these are both pretty gruesome and haven’t even really crossed river’s mind. yet. don’t piss her off?

heat resistance — obviously, river has a very high resistance to heat to be able to control and touch boiling water and steam. the heat resistance isn’t just water based, however. she is also very resistant to high temperatures and fire.

when rory left town, river missed her, of course, but she didn’t feel alone. she still had reese. but that year without rory passed by so fast, and before she knew it, reese had left too, and river just felt abandoned. that feeling of abandonment never truly went away, but over time it got easier to forget for a few moments here and there, and when she thought about it, what once felt like a gaping hole in her stomach had become a sort of numbness. she was able to move on for a while, focus on being a good older sister to riley and ryan, getting decent grades, catching up on the latest video games and movies… all the stuff that she’d admittedly put on the back-burner in favor of any and every opportunity to hang out with one of the older siblings she idolized. the keywords however, were for a while. 

river was alone in the school’s bathroom that day. it was a rare occurrence, but fortuitous in the fact that no one saw what happened to her. it started mildly, a dull pain in her side that progressed into a searing, throbbing nightmare against her ribs. a dull ache in her head that grew into a brain melting electric shock. difficulty breathing that quickly started to feel like someone had filled her lungs with water, then reached through her chest and squeezed it out of them. she didn’t even scream – probably couldn’t if she tried. she just collapsed into a ball of agony on the disgusting bathroom floor and endured, sure she was about to die. the face of evil incarnate flashed through her mind, and for a moment when she closed her eyes she was no longer in the bathroom, she was hallucinating a nightmare. reese and rory in chains, each on the receiving end of the torture she was experiencing. she reached out and called to them. they didn’t notice. she ran to the large, evil, man and pounded on his chest and face, but he didn’t react. it was like she wasn’t even there. she cried out, desperate for the man to stop, but all that did was pull her back from wherever she’d gone, the reality of the exploded sinks and scalding water shooting from the pipes all around her surprising her just enough to make her snap out of the delusion.

the water was hot, boiling even, but as it sprayed onto her it barely felt lukewarm. she stood from the floor, a soaked, dripping mess, and took tentative steps at first, squeakily exiting the girl’s room. she wandered lost and confused through the halls, dizzy as so many different emotions flooded through her mind. she was certain she was going crazy, and she had no idea how she’d explain where the screams had come from and why she was soaked from head to toe, so she simply left the building, drifting home in a daze. she barely made it up to her room before she passed out. when she awoke the next morning, she realized she hadn’t been hallucinating, and she wasn’t going crazy, this was all really happening. she reached out to her older siblings to check on them of course, but deep down she knew that somehow they were alright.

river adjusted to her new normal fairly quickly. she wasn’t very good at controlling her powers, but she got used to them. she started partying more and worrying less, and her feelings of abandonment felt so distant now that she could substitute her own feelings with those of someone who was truly happy. things were actually going really well for her, until the college acceptance letters came. stanford, harvard, surprisingly, she was accepted to both. she was also accepted to nyu, and when she saw that, there was no choice to make. for all her growth and new independence, and claims that she’d been fine without them, the second she had a chance to rejoin rory and reese, she took it without hesitation. graduation came and went, and the very next day river had a bag packed and she was heading out to her new school, her new town, and her new life.

[lizzylunawizardessfanfics]

My Sleeping Beauty

Pairing: Vain/Lizzy Luna

Warning: Angstish & Some spoilers for those who haven’t read/watch Hugo’s Route

It was a beautiful flower field in the woods as I was walking with Lizzy hand in hand enjoying the afternoon as it was nice as she looked so beautiful in her dress that was almost pure white with a soft tint of blue along with her usual flower she wore in her hair. The two of us stopped walking as I looked over to her with a light smile as I didn’t have my mask on. “You know, I may have said this a thousand times but... You’re far more beautiful than any flower in this world,” I said while my free hand went up cupping the side of her face in it as I gazed into her baby blue eyes that sparkled in the sunlight. Smiling she leaned into my touch as her free hand overlapped mine. “As hearing that every time only makes me happier when it comes from you,” she said as it brought me joy to know she felt that way.

The environment was peaceful and lively, but soon it all suddenly changed to a more dreary feeling as suddenly her eyes widened as there was an arrow head that seemed to be made out of darkness sticking out of her chest as she started to fall forward which I swiftly caught her in my arms.

“Lizzy,” I shouted as I was quick to awaken from my slumber as I was sitting up while panting as I felt myself sweating while I looked over to where my girlfriend would usually be, but she wasn’t as I felt my chest tighten in pain as I clenched my hands gripping at the blankets. Why couldn’t I just have a peaceful dream about her, why was I to be reminded of the pain of not having her by my side.

Recalling the events that occurred four days ago was that Hugo and myself had gotten a lead about Felix’s whereabouts as Lizzy along with her prefect friends came along to assist us with finally putting an end to Felix’s plans... However in the end not only did he get away once again, but that stupid dragonkin hit her with a curse as now she was in an eternal sleep as why wasn’t I fast enough to protect her... I felt tears built up as I was trying to hold them back, but some started to fall as I gripped the blankets tighter as never in my life had I ever experienced such heart rendering pain, but that all changed when I met her and when she sneaked her way into my heart and showed me that there was so much more to life than what I was used to.

Just remembering turning around to see the arrow made of darkness flying through the air across the other side of the room as it was going right towards Lizzy and how I tried everything in my power to strike down the clones that got in my way but... It wasn’t good enough as I couldn’t get to her fast enough to prevent her from getting hurt, from her losing her soul. (Sound a lil familiar?) Soon I saw Mischa’s white fur as she came up to me while she frowned looking up to me as she said, “Another bad dream?” I shakily breathed before I reached out one hand to pet her head as ever since the incident I haven’t been able to sleep properly as... I don’t think I will be able to until I can finally break that curse. “If only I had stayed closer to her.. I could of protect her... She’d be right here next to me,” I said as I was once again blaming myself as I felt Mischa hit my hand with her paw. “You know as well as I do that she wouldn’t want you to say stuff like that and we will find him as we WILL make sure that we free her from the curse,” Mischa said as she wasn’t wrong and if Lizzy heard me she would of most likely scolded me.  

“You’re right... And I won’t stop until I made him pay in full for what crimes he’s committed,” I said getting out of bed as I started to get ready for another day as I will go visit Lizzy where she is currently resting like I have been everyday.

Of course it didn’t take me long to get where I was going as I came to the small open space in the woods as there was a pretty big tree as under that tree was a bed of flowers which laid my beloved girlfriend. Walking over I felt a lump form in my throat as it only felt all the more painful with every visit as the worst possibility comes to mind; what if she was to never wake up again even after the curse being broken though I will not allow myself to think such depressing thoughts. I made eye contact with her familiar Rufus as he now sat up barking as if greeting me as he’s been guarding the area though this part of the woods has been casted with a protection spell to ensure not just anyone could get to here. Kneeling down by her side I took off my mouth mask and looked down at her sleeping face as I brushed some of her bangs out of her face before cupping the side of her face with my gloved hand.

“Good morning... I wonder if you can hear me, it’s been rough these past few days... I miss you, I wish you’d wake up soon as I’d want nothing more than to be able to admire your beautiful eyes,” I spoke softly as even while talking there was no reaction as she didn’t twitch or shift in her sleep. With all the different color flowers around her truly made her appear to look like a princess right out of some of the old fairy tales our mother used to read to us when we were little.

After some time passing I decided I should get to work on gathering information on where Felix could possibly be or where he’s going as I leaned down giving her lips a small kiss before pulling away. “I’m heading out now my little vixen, but I shall return later to see you,” I said while putting my mask back on as I proceeded to stand up and disappearing to get to work.

The day went on as it wasn’t as a successful day that I would of liked it to be, but there were a few possible few clues but not strong enough to point us in the correct direction to hunt the dragonkin down and ending it all. The sky was slowly turning shades of oranges, pinks, and red as it was time I stopped and go visit Lizzy once again. Traveling to the location once again while on my way I stopped and got her a bouquet of her favorite flower, snapping dragons. I managed to get there without a problem as the scenery of the area looked different compared to when I came here this morning as it looked enchanting as the sky was becoming more shades of purples and blues along with the fading orangish pink color.

Upon my arrival there she was right where I left her this morning as once again Rufus as usual was close by. I walked over while holding the flowers in hand as taking my place right by her side I sat on the ground as I took off my face mask once again. “I’ve returned like I promised, I even brought you your favorite flowers,” I said placing the fresh flowers on her before taking one of her hands to hold in both of mine as I frowned as nothing had changed as there was still no sign of her waking up. “No one ever told me how badly it would hurt to lose someone so precious… Though I never thought I’d ever get so.. So attached to someone but you proved me wrong and though you’re not completely gone… Y-you feel so far away from me Lizzy,” I said as I gave her smaller hand a light squeeze as that feeling of sadness spread throughout my chest as I felt my eyes getting watery as I put her hand close to where my heart was. “I never thought about what I wanted in my future after saving everything from falling apart, but… I now know that I want in the future and what I want nothing more is to have you by my side as there’s… So many things with you that I want to see and experience,” I said as I felt my chest tighten more as a small uncontrollable sob came out as thankfully there was no one to witness me this weak.

Suddenly I heard footsteps as I quickly blinked my eyes though only one was visible as so much for having a quiet moment alone. “Oh hello there Vain it’s nice to see that you came by,”  shorter blonde they call Alfonse said giving a small smile as I let out a scoff. “Of course I came, I come when no one is around because I much rather like it better when no one is here to annoy me,” I said as I only tolerate these boys because they’re her friends as if they were anything less they would mean nothing to me. “Well too bad since we have just as much as a right to come visit her as you do,” the one known as Zeus loudly said as I particularly didn’t like him. I decided to just roll my eyes and turn my direction back to my sleeping girlfriend as I placed a small kiss on the back of her hand.

Her friends gathered around as they on the other side of her as for the most part they were silent but now and again they’d have small talk as I listened to the few stories they’d share about the things they’ve all done and the funny things Lizzy has done.

“Remember the one time she slam dunked a balloon filled with glitter pain on Klaus’ head, that was hilarious,” Zeus said as he laughed loudly as I then remembered one memory and smirked deciding I’d join in for a bit. “Or possibly the time Lizzy fought you in the yard and put you in a headlock (This is in reference of a friend’s fanfic),” I said smugly as watching that was pretty entertaining to see as Lizzy’s feisty personality was one of the reasons why I loved her so much. It seemed like Zeus glared at me as it looked like he had something to say but then back off as he proceeded to cross his arms over his chest and mumbling to himself as the others were laughing.

Soon footsteps could be heard as it seemed we all looked behind us to see it was my brother and Mischa as she walked over until she was by Lizzy as Mischa walked in a circle before lying down next to her head. “Seems like everyone is all here,” Caesar said with a smile as Hugo who usually was always straight faced was frowning as he walked over the all of us as when he looked me in the eye I had a sinking feeling. “I mean I figured this is where I’d find Vain though I wasn’t expecting to see the rest of you here… But I suppose it makes things easier,” Hugo said as he stood by on the other side as he bent over setting down a great masterwort flower before he stood up and stepped away from her. The group seemed confused as the one with the purple hair asked, “Makes what easier?” I held my breath as I was hoping it wasn’t what I think he was going to say and that it was possibly something else. “Unfortunately it’s time that we have to leave as we have a new mission to attend to,” my brother said as my heart dropped at his words as usually I was fine no matter the situation as missions always came first; however, this time I was torn because it meant I had to leave Lizzy here in this state as I didn’t want to leave her side, I wanted to be the first one she saw when she was to wake up from this terrible curse.

The emotional pain I was feeling was awful, but I also knew that hopefully along the way I will be able to set her free. I stayed silent as I felt eyes on me as with one hand I reached up to one of the gems that was hanging off of the red rope that was attached to my cloak as I broke it off as I gently placed it into her hand I was holding before closing her hand over the gem as I wanted her to have something of mine for in case she woke up while I was away, so she wouldn’t feel alone as I placed her enclosed hand back onto her abdomen area as saying goodbye isn’t easy. I gently brushed my hand against her cheek as I leaned down closer to her face so I could whisper to her even if she couldn’t actually hear me or get a response. “My beloved... Regretfully I must go away for a while, but know that I will return for you as I hope when I see you again you’ll be awake… Know that I love you deeply and that there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you,” I said as I gave her a kiss on the forehead as when I pulled away I reached for her hair as I gently removed the flower that sat in her hair before starting to get up.

Thankfully those idiots were being quiet though a lot of them had a solemn look on their faces as I put my mask back on with one hand while I decide to place the flower in my own hair as taking this with me would make things a little bit easier for me as I’ll have this with me as this will be my reminder of what I’m fighting for. Mischa got up as she followed me as we walked over to Hugo as he looked to the group. “This is farewell for now,” Hugo said as he turned around and started to walk away as I glanced over to Lizzy one more time. “Don’t worry we’ll make sure to keep her safe, just make sure you come back when you’re all finished,” the one who turns into a pig said as he had a smile on his face as though I didn’t like them all that much, I would entrust her safety with them as I gave a simple nod before turning around myself and following my brother as the three of us teleported heading off to where we needed.

A few years had passed but it was finally all fixed as I was finally able to go see her again as I felt nervous as I making my way to the location wearing my casual clothes. Not only was it that our times had crossed but I was having high hopes that Lizzy would be awake or be waking up when I got there as since then I had worn her flower in my hair ever since I left that day. Thankfully things had not changed too much as it was easy to get where I needed to be as once I got there I froze where I stood in the middle of the opened area as there were more flowers growing around as there was the bed of flowers but… There was nobody laying there as this should mean a good thing but at the same time what if something bad happened or what if someone kidnapped her which I couldn’t help but feel my heart break a bit more as I dropped to my knees looking at the flowerbed my beloved once laid.

I was starting to lose myself in my thoughts but then a sudden voice that came from behind pulled me right back as I heard a familiar yet slightly different. “V-Vain… Is that… You,” the voice asked as I quickly turned to look behind me as my eyes widened though I still kept my other eye hidden under my bangs in surprise at the sight before me; it was Lizzy as she looked like she matured a bit more as she had on a short light raspberry colored dress with a flower crown with small flowers that were the same color to watch as her cotton candy blue hair had gotten longer. I got up and I felt myself smiling just being able to see her again as I felt joy just knowing she was awake again. “Of course it’s me, I told you I’d come back to you didn’t I,” I replied as I opened my arms now grinning as I watched her face brighten when she happily while which she started to run towards me which with a few strides she lept towards me as I then picked her up by her sides lifting her in the air before shortly after lowering her down as we hugged each other tightly as lord did it feel amazing to feel her close to me once again.

“I missed you so much,” She said as I felt her arms around me tighten as I couldn’t help but chuckle as I finally felt that weight off my shoulders be lifted as I pulled away to admire her face. “As you have no idea how much I’ve missed you… I’m glad that you’re awake though I wish I was there for when you woke up,” I said holding her in my arms as in the past she was beautiful then but she’s only grown more beautiful. “I know and.. I’m sorry I worried you so badly as now that everything is better now we can finally be together,” she said happily as I heard her sweet giggles as it was refreshing to hear her again as I cupped her face with one hand before leaning my face closer to hers and giving her lips a soft and short kiss. “Indeed as I vow that from now on, that I promise I will always be by your side as I will protect you no matter what my little vixen,” I said in a soft tone since our faces were so close as I was able to once again enjoy the view of her flustered cheeks as I grinned before kissing her lips once again as this kiss was long overdue. Though this is our happily ever after, the next chapter of our lives being together was just the beginning as I looked forward to seeing where life takes us next.

[eyez-ff-blog]

○○ eyez | fifty-four

“Have you and K made it to the doctor’s office?” Jermaine mumbled into the phone as he walked downstairs into the foreign first floor area of the home.

He chuckled softly when he heard Beija let out a soft belch. “Yeah, I just signed in so I’m just waiting to get it over with,” He walked towards the empty living room area. Aside from the furniture and the working television, there wasn’t much to the room. He sat on the couch as he watched Janiya play in her playpen. “I won’t lie, I’m nervous,” She mumbled.

“You’re gonna be alright,” He said before he sat back, watching as Janiya glanced up at the episode of Sesame Street that was on the TV. “If you need any extra confidence just call me,” He said.

“I’ll keep that in mind. It shouldn’t take me long, though. I’ll see you when I get home,” Beija said before Jermaine heard the rustling of plastic in the background. “I love you,” She spoke with what sounded like a full mouth.

“Love you too, fatty,” J laughed softly before he hung up his cell phone, tossing it onto the couch. “You watching Elmo, baby?” He asked Niya, who was staring up at the television intently as the red muppet danced on the screen. He chuckled when she nodded, and he sighed before sinking into the couch.

The move from North Carolina to Houston was probably more stressful than it had to be—caring for a toddler and a pregnant woman while trying to find a house and move everything into it was a task, and now that there was nothing but unpacking and decorating left to do, J was just ready for this to be done with. The five bedroom home was the proper size at this point; the master bedroom, Janiya’s bedroom and the new nursery for the incoming child took up the majority of the bedrooms. Then there was a room for Beija to have an office space, and Jermaine just finished up the equipment for his home studio. Located in a secluded community in one of the posh areas in town, they seemed to be within access to the best parts of the city. Not only that, the school district was pretty good and if Beija ever changed her mind about letting Janiya go to a public school, she would at least be at a decent one. Jermaine hadn’t lived down South since back when he was a younger man when he visited his father, and now he knew wh he preferred up North. The summers would be nothing but Hell and he’d be lucky if they could get below 50 I the winter. He knew that he could always take the girls on vacation in the winter if he so chose, but it would still feel foreign to look out the window on any given November or December morning and not see any snow. Even with that in his mind, he didn’t regret the move—he was near family, and Janiya would be able to spend more time with her grandparents. He felt that time would be important. Ever since Mekhi’s hospital visit, Beija had been more mindful about time, and he couldn’t blame her. Time was nobody’s ally these days, and he wanted Janiya to experience as much of all of her grandparents’ love while all four of them were still alive.

“Leo!” He called out, and he heard some shuffling out of the kitchen before the small dog came trotting around the corner towards the couch. Jermaine watched as the puppy licked the food off of his mouth, and he chuckled as he leaned down and petted the top of his head. “Making sure you’re not acting up. You got too quiet,” He mumbled as Leo rolled onto his back, subtly asking for a stomach rub. J complied for a moment before Leo sat quietly at the man’s feet.

The house was quiet for now. J would see how long it lasted for them.

About an hour passed when he heard the door to the house unlock, and Jermaine snapped out of his sleep when he heard the yips and barks from Leo as the dog ran out of the living room and towards the foyer. “Ah—hey, boy! I missed you too,” Beija’s giggled resounded throughout the house, and a warmth washed over Jermaine as he sat up on the couch.

“Mama?” Niya’s tiny voice was laced with exhaustion and remnants of sleep as she peeked over the top of the play pen, and he could see the girl bounce with excitement suddenly. “Hi!”

“Hey babe!” Beija walked over to Janiya before slowly pulling her out of the pen, walking over to where Jermaine sat on the couch, kissing the side of his face as she sat down. “Hey there. You just woke up?” She asked.

“Mhm. The doctor went well?” He asked, and she nodded. “Nothing abnormal or anything? How are you feeling?” He seemed to be rambling on, but he always tried to make sure Beija was in a good mood after the doctor’s visits.

“Yes, I’m fine,” She laughed softly. “The pregnancy is on track, nothing was wrong,” She gave a knowing smile, and Jermaine seemed to fidget as he sat up straight in his seat.

“And?”

“What else is there?”

“Imani, come on,” Jermaine’s voice came out in a complaint, and he huffed at his wife’s delighted laughter. “Tell me!”

“It’s a boy,” She said, and his mouth dropped a bit as he stared down at her in slight surprise. “Mhm! Your son...and your brother...” She kissed the side of Niya’s head as she spoke. “...Is in there and growing like a weed.”

“Wow. Wow,” Jermaine laughed softly to himself before he nodded slowly, running a hand over his dreadlocks. “I probably shouldn’t even be this gassed but...wow. You having my son,” He couldn’t help but to be rendered speechless by the news. It felt just as it did when he found out about Janiya; the possibilities about what could be done as a father filled his mind all over again. He couldn’t help but to think about the first time he’d change his daughter’s diaper, or the first time he’d take her to school. Her first heartbreak, her first awkward period, the first dance he’d watch her go to. He’d hopefully walk her down the aisle as well and watch her become a wife and mother. And now all he could think about was teaching his son about all the things he wished his father taught him. He’d teach him what being a real man was, and be an example of how to treat and respect women through the way he would love that boy’s sister and mother. At that moment, Jermaine finally understood the fear that plagued Beija when she was first pregnant—he felt that now more than ever. He wanted to be a good father for his son.

“Baby?” He snapped out of his trance before looking down at Beija, who was still holding Janiya in her arms. The little girl rubbed at her mother’s stomach, and his wife looked peaceful. He hadn’t seen such calm in her in so long, and it was as refreshing as it was strange. “Are you okay? ...You’re happy, right?”

“Of course,” He answered without hesitation, letting out a soft sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m just really...scared,” He laughed softly. “I talked all that stuff about wanting a little me and now I’m wondering if I’ll be good enough,” He admitted. It was a hard pill to swallow, letting his woman know that he was feeling some fear, but he was learning to be more open. He knew it was what she wanted.

“You will be. You know why? Because you’re already a good father to one. We got this. I have my fears too, but I think of it like this—we’ve made it with this one right here,” She nodded her head towards Janiya, who was now concerned with what was on television. “We’ll have to learn new lessons as she grows but I feel like we’re doing our best. And when he’s born, we’ll do it again. And if you’re crazy enough to give me more, we will do it again after that,” Beija chuckled before she reached over and gently nudged his cheek. “God chose us. He gave him to us—so He wants us to raise him.”

“Yeah,” He took out a deep breath as he closed his eyes, feeling her hand slowly rub his cheek. He grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles, feeling the cool metal of her wedding hand against his lips. “We got this.”

“Yes, we do,” He heard her reply, and he opened his eyes to see her gazing at him with a small smile. He couldn’t help but do the same.

“You look like a grilling uncle. All you need is the Jesus sandals,” Beija let out a small laugh before she sat at the vanity within the dressing room.

Jermaine glanced down at the orange, yellow, and black designed dashiki that adorned his body. Aside from the jeans and the matching orange and black sneakers, he probably did look like a hippy. “Must you always pick on me? You gotta get your mama, Lil’ J. She’s being a bad girl,” He slyly commented as he watched Janiya approach him.

“Mean mama,” She scolded, and he let out a small laugh as he scooped the girl in his arms, sitting her down in his lap as he dusted off her matching dress. Her sandals were a simple black, and her toe and fingernails were a matching orange, painted by her mother. Her curls were freshly done and all over her head as usual.

“Mama isn’t mean. Daddy is annoying and being ugly right now,” Beija scoffed playfully as she applied her nude colored lipstick to her lips. Her bandeau-style bra held the same colors and patterns as Jermaine and Janiya’s outfits, and her loose-fitting skirt hung just under her pregnant stomach.

After the more traditional Easter festivities of going to church with Beija’s parents and doing egg hunts with the kids, the Cole’s were due for a pregnancy shoot for their own personal archives. Last time around the couple went for an all-white shoot, but Beija caved into Jermaine’s ‘Lion King’ concept; despite how jittery he still felt about becoming a father again, he couldn’t contain his excitement about having a son, and having his unborn’s big sister be a part of it would make it all the more special.

A knock on the door made J turn his head towards it, clearing his throat before he called out to the unknown on the other side: “We’re decent!”

The door opened and one of the attendants that was working on the set peeked into the door. “Hi, I’m just letting you guys know that we’ve set up the shoot and the photographer is ready for you. Just come on out when you’re ready to start,” The bubbly woman explained.

“Give us about three minutes,” Beija answered as she messed through her hair. She was starting to grow some of her hair back—it was not much larger than a small afro of curls, but with her care and attendance to it, the grade of hair seemed to be about the same as it was before she chopped it off.

“Gotcha,” The woman closed the door, and J looked to his wife as she turned towards him.

“Check the baby bag and make sure she’s gotten her snack. I’m about to go out here and remind them about the contract and such. Then when you guys are ready, come on,” She stood up and he watched as she carefully waddled out of the room.

“You want a snack, baby? You hungry?” Jermaine grabbed the bag that held most of Janiya’s essentials as he girl climbed off his lap. She nodded as she placed her hands on his knees, and he grabbed a small Ziploc bag filled with cubes of cheese and turkey. “Here you go,” He handed her the bag.

“Tank,” She said before opening the bag and placing a cube of cheese in your mou0th.

“You’re welcome,” He answered.

Once Niya finished her snack, the two headed out onto the set for the photoshoot—it was nothing too elaborate or staged—a simple black background and some studio lights to bring out everyone’s features were set up, and Beija was already in the midst of taking her photos alone. Jermaine couldn’t seem to focus on anything else, and he sucked his teeth when he realized how hard he was staring at the woman. He glanced down at his sneaker clad feet, hearing the small giggle from his daughter. He glanced over to see that she was looking right at him.

“Pink,” She pointed at him, and the slight heat on his face could only heighten as he picked the girl off the floor and into his arms. He tickled her stomach, and she laughed as she patted his cheeks, now just an endearing habit she had when she saw her father.

“Don’t be putting me out there like that,” He laughed softly as he held her up against his hip. “You’re getting big, mama. Your birthday is coming too,” He explained as he reached to play with one of her curls. “What do you want for presents?”

“Barbie,” Niya mumbled as she laid her head against J’s chest.

“What else, baby? You don’t wan no clothes or books? You just want Barbie dolls?” He laughed softly as he rocked her in his arms.

Once Beija was done with her part of the shoot, Jermaine put Niya down so she could join her mother in the shoot. He felt his phone vibrating in his pocket, and he pulled it out before he read over the text messages he was attending to. He answered them moderately before silencing his phone and slipping it into his pocket. After the girls were able to do their shoot, Jermaine joined them for some full family shots, wrapping the shoot up with just he and Beija.

After the shoot, they headed back home and were welcomed by an excited Leo, who couldn’t stop barking and running around at the sight of them. Instead of making Beija cook, Jermaine just ordered some catered food from a local soul food spot. Although he didn’t like the weather down in Houston, he loved the food and the culture that loomed around for those who chose to look for it. Nobody’s food could match Beija’s, but he knew he could go out to eat in town and he’d be satisfied at best.

After dinner, he helped Beija up to the bedroom upstairs before he got Janiya and got her ready for bed. First was the bath, and he would have to try to do things in the same way that Beija did. There was a particular process that she went through to make sure that she was able to get to sleep. “Let’s see,” He mumbled as he picked up the bath wash that was infused with lavender and chamomile. “Use at night,” He read the label that was taped to the side, and he nodded before he poured some onto the towel that Niya used. “Alright, let’s do this,” Janiya giggled as he washed her body, and she moved around a bit in the water. “You had fun today?” He asked

“Uh-huh,” Niya said as he rinsed off her body.

“Did you like the Easter Bunny?” He asked, and she nodded before he unplugged the water. “Come on, we can read a story before you go to sleep,” He wrapped her towel around her as he pulled her out of the tub.

“Candy?” She asked, and he raised his eyebrow before he sat on the toilet, drying off her body.

“No candy right now. You’ll be up all night, and mama would kill me,” He shook his head as he grabbed her underwear, sliding them on before putting on her pajamas. “Tomorrow, okay?”

“Kay,” Janiya helped Jermaine put away her bath items before she took his hand. The two walked towards her bedroom, and he opened the door before he flipped on the light.

The room was simple in design for the moment—aside from Janiya’s furniture from the old house, there wasn’t much decoration yet. He placed her into the crib before he plugged in her night light. He grabbed a book from her shelf, yawning as he sat down in his seat. “You wanna read The Three Pigs?” He asked.

“Yes,” Niya laid down against her bed before grabbing her stuffed bear, watching Jermaine through the bars of the crib.

He nodded before he began to read the story, getting through at least half the story before the girl went to sleep. After clearing his voice after his interpretation of the ‘big bad wolf,’ he got up before he walked over to the crib, making sure the blanket properly laid over Janiya’s body. He ran a hand over her hair softly, and he smirked slightly before he left the bedroom, cracking the door open before he headed towards the master bedroom.

“You got her asleep without me. You’re learning,” He heard Beija comment as she looked up from the book she was reading. He sucked his teeth before he slid off his shirt, tossing it into the hamper as he walked towards the bed.

“You could try not to be so skeptical,” He smiled as he sat at the side of the bed. Beija slowly lifted her legs and planted her feet in J’s lap before h began to rub at the left one. “Did you get all the stuff done for her party?” He asked, and she nodded gently.

“Yep; hopefully it’ll be enough food though,” She laughed softly to herself as she placed a book mark within her book, yawning slightly as she leaned back against the bed. “You know our anniversary is coming up,” She reminded.

“Yes, I do,” He replied as he continued to rub her feet.

“What are we gonna do? You know we can’t do too much—by then, I’ll be too pregnant to really travel anywhere that’s not by car,” She said, and he chuckled to himself.

“Don’t worry about it, B. I’ll handle all that. You just worry about relaxing. My boy’s still growin’, and his mama gotta stay happy,” He said with a nod.

“Your excitement is the cutest thing, I swear. But you think you’ll be done after this? Or you trying to give e a village?” She asked with a light laugh.

“Hm,” Jermaine pretended to think about his answer, laughing when Beija lightly kicked his thigh. “I’m playing! I think two is fine, honestly. Whether or not we get more is on you,” A chuckle still laced his tone as he spoke to her.

“It is but it isn’t. I may hae the say but you’ve got the sperm. And you still have the stamina of a damn teenaged boy,” She scoffed, and he sucked his teeth loudly.

“Oh! Can I remind you of the fact that you insinuated both times that I’ve gotten you pregnant? We conceived Janiya at your parent’s house of all places. Then he got conceived back in New York after the charity ball,” Jermaine chuckled a bit before his smile fell into a smirk. “I might have stamina but you like that stamina, so don’t start,” He teased.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah—I ain’t ask for no history lesson,” Beija waved him off as he stood up, chuckling to himself as he headed towards the bathroom.

“I’m just saying! Don’t ask for the monster and be surprised when I lay the shit down,” He said, laughing harshly when he felt a throw pillow from their bed hit him in the back.